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 earned 5-Star Child Care Quality Ratings from the state of North Carolina.
What is a 5-Star Child Care Center?
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 Primary Beginnings preschools have been rated as a five-star child care center, meaning we well exceed the standards that North Carolina sets for preschools and child care centers.
Infant to Pre-K Program standards are evaluated 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 preschool 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 Child Care & 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 shows not only compliance with state regulations but a commitment to quality child care and early development.
Health and Safety Protocols
Both of our preschools are visited annually to ensure that the program and facilities are 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 both our North Hills 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 the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. 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 Child Care Centers & Preschools Here in Raleigh!
If you would like to take a tour around either our North Hills location or Spring Hill please fill out the contact form below! We would love to meet you and answer any questions you may have!