The Sandra and Stanley Mallin Early Childhood Center Receives State’s Highest Ranking for Early Learning & Development
The Sandra and Stanley Mallin Early Childhood Center at Temple Beth Sholom is the only preschool program in Las Vegas to receive the highest rating of five stars by Nevada Silver State Stars QRIS (Quality Rating & Improvement System).
Nevada Silver State Stars QRIS is a voluntary program open to all child care centers in Nevada and overseen by the Nevada Department of Education’s Office of Early Learning and Development. QRIS provides a standard to measure and improve the quality of early childhood programs and educate families, providers and the community. It also creates stronger learning environments for Nevada preschoolers by using standardized, research-based criteria.
The rating is announced on the heels of a Dec. 10 White House Summit on Early Education and Nevada’s receipt of a $6.4 million Preschool Development Grant, jointly administered by the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services. The Silver State was one of 18 states to receive this federal grant to increase access to high-quality preschool programs.
Through QRIS, Nevada’s early childhood programs are assessed and given a number of ‘stars’ to indicate the level of quality they have reached. Standards include quality indicators, such as program policies and procedures, administration and staff development, health and safety, and family and community partners.
The Sandra and Stanley Mallin Early Childhood Center at Temple Beth Sholom also holds a prestigious national accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). NAEYC is the world’s largest organization working on behalf of young children and promotes high-quality early learning for children from birth through age 8.
Center director Jennifer Zukowski said she and other staff members are proud to receive this honor.
“Our school has been working with Nevada Silver State Stars QRIS since its inception as a pilot program,” Zukowski said. “We work hard to provide the highest quality education possible for our students and this five star rating is further proof that we are achieving our goals.”