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July 8, 2011

ULM Child Development Center earns five star rating

The University of Louisiana at Monroe Child Development Center has once again received a five-star rating from The Louisiana Quality Start, Child Care Rating System.

The first center in the parish to receive a five star rating in 2009, the ULM Child Development Center continues to be the only five-star rated center in Ouachita Parish and one of only four in the state.

In order to achieve this rating, the center underwent an audit by a state quality start specialist and two classroom evaluations by state assessors, using the Infant Toddler Environmental Rating Scale and the Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale.

The quality start specialist evaluated the center's administrative practices, family and community involvement program, and qualifications of the staff.

"I am so proud of our staff," said Emily Williamson, director of the Child Development Center.

"They work so hard to provide quality care and education as we prepare our "Junior Warhawks" for their educational career which will lead them to be big Warhawks one day!"

To support the quality rating system, the Louisiana legislature passed a package of tax credits known as the School Readiness Tax Credits.

These credits benefit families, childcare providers, childcare teachers, directors and businesses that support quality rated childcare, according to Williamson, who recommended those wanting to know more about Quality Start and the tax credits visit www.qrslouisiana.org.

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