The Greene County Early Learning Center recently received some good news.

The non-profit organization was recognized for its quality child care by receiving a 4-star rating from the Quality Rating System. The QRS is a voluntary program that provides a one through five star rating system for providers that show the extra effort to offer exceptional child care. Early Learning Center Director Cherie Cerveny says getting this kind of recognition means they are accomplishing her goal of providing high quality service.

“It’s necessary for the children in our care to receive (the) best (child care) and not just minimal. We just think it’s better to be beyond minimal standards required by DHS (Department of Human Services) and really try to fall into the best practices that we can do.”     

Cerveny says research shows quality of child care directly impacts a child’s ability to learn and develop healthy relationships. It also supports a child’s academic and social skills for school, and contributes to mental health and physical developments.  

Another positive recognition this week was when the Greene County Board of Supervisors formally approved a letter of support for a Grow Greene County Gaming Corporation grant application toward the Early Learning Center’s $2.9 million new building project. The Supervisors committed up to $250,000 of local option sales and services tax (LOSST) funds.