The state is again recognizing Lincoln Early Learning Center as a top-level school for its Preschool For All (PFA) and Preschool For All Expansion (PFAE) program.

For the second time, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) gave Lincoln its highest quality ranking - a Gold Circle of Quality. The District 75 Board of Education publicly recognized the accomplishment during its Nov. 18 meeting.

“The school’s programs are above and beyond the highest quality in terms of the goals of the state,” Jamie DiCarlo, District 75 Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, told the Board. “This shows that we exceed quality benchmarks in our learning environment, our teacher quality, our administrative standards, our staff qualifications, and our professional development.”

Preschool for All is a state-funded preschool program that provides high-quality educational programs for children from low- to moderate-income families or at risk of academic failure.

All PFA and PFAE programs participate in ExceleRate Illinois. Every three years, the state conducts intensive evaluations, reviewing the screening process, individual learning plans, a research-based, viable curriculum, strong family involvement, and whether the program meets the linguistic needs of students.

National Louis University evaluates the program in conjunction with the ISBE. Assessors collect evidence using the Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale and the ISBE Compliance Checklist, and score schools based on the results. 

Lincoln has four teachers in the PFA program, but many other staff members are involved. The school runs six sessions, two of them in Spanish.

“This team is just phenomenal,” DiCarlo said. “We appreciate everything they do for our kids. The students grow into wonderful learners and are excited and ready for kindergarten.”