NELC receives 4-star rating

Northside Early Learning Center recently received the Quality Rating Improvement Systems (QRIS) 4-star rating which indicates a high level of commitment and professionalism on the part of the staff in providing high-quality care and education to the young children enrolled in the program.

According to a Churchill County School District media release, the Silver State Stars QRIS rating process is about continuous quality improvement. Each biennium NELC staff undergoes assessment of the early learning childhood environment using the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS).

Quality indicators include ratings in the areas of space and furnishings, personal care routines, language and literacy, learning activities (fine motor, art, music and movement, nature/science, mathematics, etc.), interactions and program structure.

At NELC, the school district said students can be seen building in the block center, exploring the math and science area or working with the sand and water tables. NELC uses the Creative Curriculum teaching themes to highlight different learning topics throughout the year. Some examples of topics include clothes, buildings, gardening, insects, light, trees, wheels and water. Students use these themes in a variety of different ways including reading books or counting objects that relate to the theme or creating projects or activities based on theme topics.

“Play-based learning is the natural, child-initiated and teacher supported way that learning occurs at NELC,” said Dr. Mandie Hammer, teacher on special assignment for Early Childhood. “Our staff are trained to facilitate student-initiated discovery of new and interesting topics while also encouraging self-help and social emotional skills while encouraging positive interactions with staff and other students.”

Each year, the school district said student growth on the quality indicators are measured from the beginning of the year to the end of the year and must meet the conditions of the Nevada Ready Pre-K Grant. Required program elements include specific teacher qualifications, income eligibility requirements, time requirements, class size/ratio limits, evaluation, family engagement, comprehensive services, inclusion and equitable access.

Assistant Superintendent Stacey Cooper said she’s proud of the staff and leadership at NELC.

“This achievement surpasses many other local early learning centers of this magnitude,” she said. “We are dedicated to our families here in Fallon, and want to provide the best learning environment possible for our students. College and career readiness starts early, and NELC is creating a phenomenal foundation for our future high school graduates.”