BYRON – Mary Morgan Elementary school has achieved the Gold Circle of Quality recognition for their Preschool for All (PFA) program.
The Illinois State Board of Education uses ExceleRate Illinois as their quality recognition program as well as their improvement system for early learning and development programs.
ExceleRate utilizes a common set of standards in four domains to help determine a program’s rating. The domains are Teaching and Learning, Family and Community Engagement, Leadership and Management, and Qualifications and Continuing Education. There are four levels of distinction: Licensed Circle of Quality, Bronze Circle of Quality, Silver Circle of Quality, and Gold Circle of Quality.
The Gold Circle of Quality recognizes programs which have met the requirements on all 15 standards, as validated by an independent assessor. Gold Circle programs meet or exceed specific quality benchmarks on learning environment, instructional quality, and all program administrative standards; group size and staff/child ratios; staff qualifications; and professional development.
“I am excited, proud, and overwhelmed to receive the honor of the Gold Circle of Quality for the Byron Pre-K program,” said Jenni Peterson, assistant principal. “I feel fortunate that my passion for teaching young learners was recognized.”
While this honor has been bestowed on Mary Morgan Elementary School in the past, this is the first time that Peterson has been at the helm when the honor was awarded.
“Everything I do as a teacher is done with my students in mind, so to be recognized for the work I love is refreshing,” she said. “My everyday goal is to instill the love of learning while also building a strong foundation of lifelong learners. I am so lucky I get to do what I love each day, and I am honored to represent Byron and our community.”
