Kish Early Learning Center earns Gold Circle of Quality rating

The Kishwaukee College Early Learning Center (ELC) has once again received the Gold Circle of Quality designation from ExceleRate Illinois, the State's quality recognition and improvement system for early learning and development providers. The ELC first received this distinction in 2013 and has maintained the high-quality level since that time.

ExceleRate Illinois helps families make more informed choices about their children's early learning while providing a framework for early learning and development professionals to identify opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills.

“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.”

The program establishes standards to help infants, toddlers and preschoolers develop intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally. Kish’s ELC has maintained its status as a top choice for early childhood education despite the challenges of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  

“We have had to implement a lot of cleaning and sanitizing accommodations to meet the increased safety guidelines through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services,” said Maria Lombardo, Director of the Early Learning Center. “We have done all of that without sacrificing the high-quality early learning experience our children receive.” 

The ELC currently provides early childhood care and education for children ages 2-5. However, the ELC will soon move into a new and improved facility on Kish’s campus, which will allow for expanded services to children ages 1-5.

Kishwaukee College is currently renovating a portion of its Campus Operations Building to house the ELC. The renovation is partially funded by a grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Kish’s current ELC facility was originally built as a temporary building in the 1970s and needs various upgrades to meet current and future demands, which the new space will provide. The project is expected to be completed later this spring with operations moved to the new space in June following approval from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

Open spots are available for families looking to enroll children for summer or fall. For more information, visit www.kish.edu/elc. Prospective families are encouraged to contact the ELC Director Maria Lombardo at 815-825-9781 or mlombardo@kish.edu.