Neola preschool wins top rating

NEOLA, Iowa — Tri-Center Preschool has become the first elementary preschool in Pottawattamie County to earn the top rating available from the Iowa Department of Human Services.

Tri-Center Preschool teachers Paula Heck, Susie Fah and Pam Schroder decided to participate in the Iowa Quality Rating System "to make sure we do everything we need to do to become one of the best preschools around," Fah said.

The quality rating system, known as Iowa QRS, is a voluntary program in which providers are rated on a scale of 1 to 5 as they work to meet strict guidelines covering such criteria as classroom sanitation, teacher interaction and efforts toward child development.

"We want to reassure parents their children will get the best of care," Fah said. There are 50 youngsters at the Tri-Center preschool.

Dawn Powers, QRS specialist and child-care consultant, said Tri-Center "worked very hard to receive the level 5 rating," demonstrating "a desire to improve the quality of care and education the children in Pottawattamie County receive."

Fah said: "These children depend on adults to care for them, and we want those little people to get the care and attention they deserve."

The QRS system was implemented in 2006 when parents went to the Iowa Legislature for help in determining preschool quality.

A provider who earns 1 star has met Iowa's registration or licensing standards. A 2-star provider has received additional training and made the first steps toward improving quality. A 3- to 4-star rating is based on professional development, health and safety, training and improvement, community partnerships and leadership and staff evaluations.

"We want people to know about programs that understand child development, and we want parents to be able to make the best choice possible," Powers said. "You should feel good about leaving your child in one of these 5-star places."

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