ROCHESTER, Ill. – Rochester CUSD #3A is proud to announce that its Preschool for All program at Rochester Elementary EC-1 has received the Gold Circle of Quality designation from ExceleRate Illinois, the state’s quality recognition and improvement system for early learning and development programs.
The Gold Circle of Quality is the highest rating awarded by ExceleRate Illinois and reflects Rochester’s strong commitment to providing high-quality educational experiences for its youngest learners. Programs earning this designation demonstrate excellence in instructional practices, family engagement, staff professional development, and program administration.
“This recognition affirms the outstanding work of our early childhood educators,” said Interim Superintendent Rolf Sivertsen. “Our preschool teachers and staff are deeply committed to preparing our students for success, and this award demonstrates the strength of our early learning program and its positive impact on families.”
ExceleRate Illinois evaluates programs through a rigorous process that includes classroom observations and compliance reviews using the Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale (ECERS-3) and the Illinois State Board of Education’s Compliance Checklist. Rochester’s Gold Circle of Quality rating replaces any previous rating and will remain active until the next monitoring cycle.
Rochester’s achievement highlights the district’s dedication to ensuring every child has access to high-quality early learning opportunities that lay the foundation for future academic and personal success.
A certificate recognizing this achievement will be presented to the district by the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (INCCRRA).
For more information about ExceleRate Illinois and what the Gold Circle of Quality means for families, visit www.excelerateillinois.com