Fresno County early care providers recognized at banquet

Fresno County Superintendent of Schools Jim Yovino hosted a public unveiling of the 87 early care and education centers and family child care homes that have achieved an Early Stars rating of three stars on Friday, Jan. 22 at the Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium in Clovis.

The FCOE Early Stars Program uses an easy-to-understand star rating system to assess the quality of child care providers in Fresno County who serve young children. The highest-quality providers can achieve up to five stars. Research shows that children from birth to age five who receive high-quality care and education earn better grades when they begin school, are more likely to graduate high school and are more likely to be successful in their careers.

The recognition banquet provided an update on the important work that early care education teachers do to prepare young children for future success. Early care and education is a partnership with Fresno County school districts, parents, ECE providers and other education partners who have a vision for improving the lives of young children.

Fresno is one of 30 counties in California to develop an online searchable directory for teachers and parents to easily access Early Star rated child care programs. Visit www.earlystars.org for more information and a listing of rated sites.