Casa Central School Age Program received the Silver Circle of Quality designation from ExceleRate Illinois, the state’s new quality recognition and improvement system for early learning and development providers. “Every early learning and development provider who participates in ExceleRate Illinois makes quality a priority,” said Cynthia L. Tate Ph.D., Executive Director, Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development. “The higher the designation, the higher the program’s demonstrated quality and comprehensiveness in meeting children’s early learning needs,” she said.

“We are proud to receive the Silver Circle of Quality,” said Karina Cabrales, Casa Central School Age Program. “Providing quality in early learning and development will help our children in Chicago be better prepared for success in school and in life.” ExceleRate Illinois helps families make more informed choices about their children’s early learning. It establishes standards to help infants, toddlers and preschoolers develop intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally. Research in science and brain development shows that children who are more meaningfully engaged in early learning experiences from infancy through the first five years of life are more likely to be successful in school and in life. With the right engagement, children can form a healthy foundation of neural pathways in the brain, which impact their ability to think, react, process and grow. ExceleRate Illinois is a comprehensive system that includes Licensed Child Care Centers, Licensed Family Child Care, Preschool for All and Center-Based Prevention Initiative Programs, Head Start and Early Head Start Programs. For more information or to find a Child Care Resource & Referral Agency in your area, visit: www.ExceleRateIllinois.com.