Palos 118 Preschool Program Recognized by IL State Board of Education

The early childhood program at Palos West Elementary was recently named the recipient of a Gold Circle of Quality award from the Illinois State Board of Education. The recognition comes through ExceleRate Illinois, the state’s quality recognition and improvement system for early learning and development programs which demonstrate quality on all State standards.

Gold Circle early childhood programs, like those offered through Palos School District 118, meet or exceed specific quality benchmarks on learning environment, instructional quality, and all administrative standards; group size and ratios; qualifications; and professional development.

Palos West Elementary will have a rating of Gold Circle of Quality on the ExceleRate Illinois website, www.excelerateillinois.com, and will receive a certificate to recognize the award.

Erin Deval, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, thanked Assistant Director of Student Services Terri Dodds, the Palos West staff, and the school’s families for making the early childhood program a success.

"We are so proud of our Palos West early childhood staff for receiving this award,” said Deval, adding, “Everyone plays a vital role in the education of our youngest learners.”

“This recognition highlights the exceptional work being done by our teaching and support staff at Palos West to provide high quality educational services to our youngest students here in District 118,” said Palos 118 Superintendent of Schools Dr. Anthony Scarsella.

To learn more about ExceleRate Illinois, including the specific requirements for each Circle of Quality, visit www.excelerateillinoisproviders.com. A website that provides parents and families with information to assist them in making early care and education decisions can be found at www.excelerateillinois.com.