ExceleRate Illinois, the state's quality rating and improvement system for early learning and development providers, today awarded the Skokie Park District's Tot Learning Center its Gold Circle of Quality.

"Every early learning and development provider who participates in ExceleRate Illinois makes quality a priority," said Cynthia L. Tate Ph.D., executive director of the 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 Gold Circle of Quality," said Fouzia Khan, TLC's childcare services manager. "Providing quality in early learning and development will help our children in Skokie be better prepared for success in school and in life."

Tot Learning Center offers a full-day childcare program for infants through five-year-old children. Children may be enrolled two to five days per week, open 50 weeks per year. The center also offers special programs such as enrichment classes, family events and parent meetings.​ The program is licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and nationally accredited by NAEYC. ​

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. Additionally, it provides a framework for early learning and development professionals to identify opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills.

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, Preschool for All and Center-Based Prevention Initiative Programs, Head Start and Early Head Start Programs, and Licensed Family and Group Child Care Homes.

ExceleRate Illinois is administered through INCCRRA under the joint direction of the Governor's Office of Early Childhood Development, the Illinois Department of Human Services, and the Illinois State Board of Education.