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Our state-licensed preschool was just awarded a five-star rating from the Orange County Department of Education. This is the top possible rating and is an increase from our previous four-star rating.
The KidWorks’ preschool earned its five-star “Quality Rating and Improvement System” (QRIS) grade for the high quality of our early learning programs, as evaluated by the county. Programs like ours are ranked from one to five stars and the evaluation occurs every five years.
“Earning a five-star rating is a source of great pride for KidWorks and our entire preschool team since we are one of 500 early learning programs in Orange County who participate in QualityStart, the education department’s focus on assessing, improving and communicating the importance of early childhood education,” says Idalia Galdamez, our preschool director.
She adds, “The rating criteria help programs like ours to demonstrate their commitment to quality, keeping up to date on current research and adopting best practices.”
Among the criteria to earn this top rating are:
Idalia says achieving the five-star rating lets families know that our preschool provides their children with the highest level of early care services as these youngsters embark on their academic careers.
“Our highly educated, experienced and dedicated preschool team sets our youngest scholars on a solid classroom path by delivering quality early care and education in a safe environment based on developmentally appropriate curriculum,” Idalia says.
She adds, “This rating should encourage parents to consider enrolling their child in our program. In addition to our five-star rating, we offer field trips during the year where the children get to explore what they learn in the classroom out in other environments such as a pumpkin patch and museum, for example.”
“Obtaining this rating has taken years,” says Minda Barrera, ” KidWorks preschool teacher. “It’s required countless hours working with children, learning with them and attending workshops/trainings.”
She adds, “It required a dedicated team to obtain our certification. We’re very thankful to all who have contributed to attaining this goal: parents and their children, volunteers, parent volunteers, partners, supporters the KidWorks’ executive leadership team and others. We are truly blessed and thankful to God for allowing us to work with the little ones.”
In addition to the five-star QRIS rating, KidWorks preschool obtained our Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom Certification in November 2024.
“The new outdoor classroom plays a big role in our daily school schedule,” says Alma Magaña, our Early Learning/Family Specialist. “When children are exposed to an outdoor classroom environment, they learn to manage their time and behavior.”
She adds, “Children have the opportunity to choose what they would like to do and experience on a daily basis. When children are allowed to make good choices, they feel empowered.”
KidWorks’ preschool also benefits from the support of volunteers, who work alongside our staff and teachers during each of the two daily sessions.
Idalia also thanked our supporters, who have so generously given time, talent, resources and financial support:
Read more about this 5-star rating here! Congratulations, Preschool Team!
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer