Child Development Center earns highest possible reaccreditation license
App State’s Child Development Center (CDC) received a Five Star Center License in its reaccreditation this spring semester from the N.C. Division of Child Development and Early Education — the highest possible and an increase from the center’s previous four-star license.
The five-star rating supports the university’s continued commitment to child care for students, faculty and staff and is “a good recognition of the passion and intentionality of our teachers and the teaching they provide our children,” CDC Director Moriah Stegall said.
Licensed child care facilities in North Carolina have ratings of one through five stars, according to the division’s website. One star means the facility meets minimum licensing requirements. A two-five star rating means the facility has voluntarily met higher program standards and staff education levels.
“The more you put into your center, the more stars you earn,” Stegall said.
The division awards points in these areas:
- Quality.
- Program standards.
- Educational standards.
App State’s CDC maintained the highest possible rating in quality (1 point), as well as its previous rating for program standards (6 out of 7 possible points). The center improved in the area of staff educational standards — from 3 out of 7 possible points to 7 out of 7 possible points.
According to Stegall, the improved rating for staff educational standards is due to the center now employing more full-time SHRA employees as well as more teachers furthering their education — either through early childhood certification or other programs.
In addition, the center has improved its curriculum and purchased new books and classroom furniture, Stegall said.
The new license’s effective date was Feb. 9, 2021. The center’s previous license was awarded in 2018.
