MARINERS INTEGRATED PRESCHOOL EARNS 5-STAR RATING
Posted on 05/18/2023
The Narragansett School System has received the prestigious 5-star rating for its Mariner's Integrated Preschool Program from BrightStars, a statewide program that evaluates and rates the quality of early childhood programs. The rating system evaluates programs based on various factors, including learning environment, family and community engagement, staff qualifications, and professional development. This achievement is the highest rating for licensed child care programs in Rhode Island, reflecting the program's excellence in providing young children with a strong foundation for learning and development.
The Mariner's Integrated Preschool Program serves children between the ages of 3 and 5 and provides a comprehensive, play-based learning environment that supports children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. The program emphasizes hands-on, interactive learning experiences that encourage children to explore and discover the world around them. The program is open to children of all abilities, providing a supportive, inclusive environment that fosters positive relationships and promotes the growth and development of every child.
Alyson Panzarella, Coordinator of Program Quality at RIAEYC, the Rhode Island-based non-profit that manages BrightStars for the state, shared, "Local education agencies that participate in BrightStars go beyond basic education requirements to demonstrate developmentally appropriate, high-quality early learning programs. Narragansett’s 5-Star rating, BrightStars highest rating, should give Narragansett families peace of mind, knowing that their children will be life-long learners prepared for Kindergarten and beyond because of the dedication and professionalism of their Pre-K program.”
Dr. Peter Cummings, Superintendent of the Narragansett School System, added, “This rating is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and the support of the community. High-quality early childhood education is crucial to the future success of our students, and we are committed to providing the best possible learning experiences.”
Lisa Hildebrand, Executive Director of RIAEYC, highlighted the importance of program quality to children’s skills and overall healthy development. “The latest science tells us that the early years of life matter because early experiences affect a child’s brain development. High-quality early care, education, and school-age programs that provide a healthy environment and a wide range of enriching experiences are crucial for a child’s growth and development,” she said.
The Mariner's Integrated Preschool Program scored its highest marks in language and literacy, interaction, and program structural aspects, which are the fundamentals of a successful preschool classroom. Jill Hague, Assistant Director of Student Services and Preschool Coordinator, led the efforts around this initiative with BrightStars. She shared her team's pride in receiving this prestigious recognition and stated that they had worked tirelessly to create this program to meet the needs of all students. "Our teams are now using this experience to further enhance their program. We are proud to continue offering this program to the Narragansett community and look forward to continuing to support the growth and development of its youngest learners."