This fall, Culver School’s preschool program earned “Gold Circle of Quality” status from ExceleRate Illinois, the state’s quality recognition and improvement system for early childhood education and care. This designation reflects the school’s commitment to providing high-quality early learning experiences for all children, school officials said.
ExceleRate Illinois is a program of The Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA), a statewide organization that serves as a catalyst and resource for high-quality, affordable early care and education in Illinois. Gold status is the program’s highest level of recognition and, according to INCCRRA, reflects exemplary practices in curriculum, instruction, assessment, teacher qualifications, learning environment, family engagement, and leadership.
“We are honored to receive the Gold status from ExceleRate Illinois,” said Laura Guarraci, Director of Student Services at Culver School. “It reflects our commitment to fostering a nurturing and enriching environment where our youngest learners can thrive. Our teachers and staff work tirelessly to create an inclusive and supportive atmosphere that meets the diverse needs of every child and their families.”
District 71 Supt. John Kosirog also expressed his pride in the preschool team’s accomplishment. “Achieving Gold status is a remarkable achievement and a clear indication of the high-quality early childhood education we provide. Our educators are passionate about inspiring a love of learning from an early age, and this recognition reinforces that our efforts are making a positive difference in the lives of our students.”
Mrs. Nicole Rahe, a preschool teacher at Culver School, shared her excitement about the recognition. “As an educator, it’s incredibly rewarding to see our hard work and dedication recognized at such a high level,” she said. “We are committed to providing a safe, engaging, and supportive environment where children can explore, discover, and grow. This Gold status inspires us to continue delivering the best possible experiences for our students.”