As a parent, you always want the best things for your child, especially when it comes to preschool and childcare providers. Primary Beginnings is committed to providing high-quality child care in Raleigh for young children and all of our preschools – Spring Forest, North Hills, and Falls of Neuse have all earned 5-Star Childcare Quality Ratings from the state of North Carolina.
What is 5-Star Childcare?
5-star childcare is accredited to facilities that meet high standards and regulations. The North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (NCDCDEE) issues star-rated licenses to childcare centers and homes that are eligible. The star rating is based on two factors: program standards and staff education.
One star means that a childcare center or preschool meets the minimum licensing standards for child care. Two to five stars mean that the child care center voluntarily chose to meet higher standards than the minimum, and to what degree. All three Primary Beginnings childcare facilities have been accredited with 5-star childcare, meaning we well exceed the standards that North Carolina sets for preschools and childcare centers.
Our Five Star Daycare Program
Similarly, Primary Beginnings is proud to tout our five star daycare facility. To be awarded a five star daycare, the state of North Carolina evaluates our facility based on the size, variety, and cleanliness of the play and activity area; the number of staff per child; and interactions that young children have with adults, each other, and their activities. For a preschool that seeks a five-star rating, an environmental rating scale is also completed. This is determined by evaluators visiting the location to observe children in the environment, evaluating how often good health practices are followed, how well interactions with children go, the amount and nature of activities offered, and the overall safety of the area.
Education standards are not reflective of the program given, but rather the level of education the administrator and staff have achieved. To receive a minimum star rating, the lead teacher must have at least received a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential. Higher star ratings are determined by the education and experience levels of the administrator and teachers, the number of childcare credentials held by teachers, and the number of teachers with formal education and experience. In short, a five star daycare or 5-star childcare program reflects that the staff is extremely well educated and experienced in early childhood development and learning. This level of expertise results in better management of the center and better experiences and learning for your children.
Why Does the 5-Star Childcare & Preschool Rating Matter?
The early years of your child’s life are the most important. Having positive experiences and interactions at this time is crucial for their development. The more time that they spend learning and playing in a stable, nurturing environment during their earlier years of life will set the path for their lifelong development and behavior patterns.
For these reasons, the NCDCDEE developed a rating system so that parents can make informed decisions about their child’s care. A five-star rating, whether it be 5-star childcare or five star daycare, shows not only compliance with state regulations but a commitment to quality child care and early development.
Health and Safety Protocols
All three of our preschools are visited annually to ensure that the program and facilities remain in compliance with state childcare regulations. These inspections, maintained by the NCDCDEE, include health and safety regulations, as well as a sanitation report for which our North Hills, Falls of Neuse, and Spring Forest locations consistently receive “Superior” classifications.
Preschool & Child Care Licenses in Raleigh
For more information about the licensing process and the rating system, please visit North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education online. Make sure that you have all the information to make the best decision for your child’s future.
Schedule a Tour of Our 5-Star Childcare Center in Raleigh
Our 5-star childcare goes above and beyond industry standards to ensure your child has a prosperous development. If you would like to take a tour around either our North Hills location, Spring Forest, or Falls of Neuse location, please fill out the contact form below. We would love to meet you and answer any questions you may have!