Binghamton University Campus Pre-School earns 5-star rating
Program is only one to receive the top rating in Broome County.
The Binghamton University Campus Pre-School and Early Childhood Center, Inc., was recognized in June by the statewide QUALITYstarsNY program as a 5-star rated program, making it the only program in Broome County to earn the designation. QUALITYstarsNY is a voluntary rating system for childcare programs in New York state that reviews its participants every four years.
The pre-school had received a 4-star rating during the QUALITYstarsNY pilot program in 2010 and in 2014. “We are always looking for ways to improve and this rating system has helped us increase our already high standards,” said pre-school Executive Director Tonya Rivera.
QUALITYstarsNY rates early childhood programs and childcare facilities on more than 75 standards of excellence, including the children’s learning environment, family engagement, leadership and management, and staff qualifications and experience. Combined, these are calculated to a final score and star rating. QUALITYstarsNY also offers a wide variety of resources and development opportunities.
The Campus Pre-School has also received national accreditation through the National Association for Education of Young Children, which has similar standards of excellence.
The pre-school currently enrolls 111 children who range in age from 18 months to 5 years. The facility has eight classrooms, gym space, a therapy room, a breastfeeding room, a kitchen and a large outdoor recreational space. The program operates on a play-based curriculum.
“Everything the children need to learn, they are learning through play and that is extremely important,” said Rivera.
What sets the Campus Pre-School apart is the teacher-to-child ratio. Each classroom has three teachers, which increases the quality of care. Several of the most beloved teachers have been with the pre-school since it opened in 1971. “These teachers are just fantastic. You won’t find, in my opinion, the quality of teachers that we have here anywhere else,” Rivera said.
“To be able to say that we are the only 5-star rated program in the county shows the hard work and passion our teachers have for this program,” Rivera added. “There is so much to be proud of. It’s great to be a part of this campus and the success of the children we serve.”
Over 1,500 children in Broome County are in need of quality, affordable, pre-school childcare. The Campus Pre-School serves Binghamton University students, faculty, staff and members of the greater Broome County community. It is not uncommon for new parents to put their children on the Campus Pre-School waiting list from the time they are born in order to get a spot by the time a child is 18 months of age. Currently, there are approximately 400 children on the waiting list.