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Joliet — The Marycrest Early Childhood Center in Joliet has received the Gold Circle of Quality award from ExelerRate Illinois, the state’s quality recognition and improvement system for early learning programs.
According to an announcement from Joliet Public Schools District 86, the award recognizes programs that “have demonstrated quality on all standards, as validated by an independent assessor.”
Recognized programs are found to “meet or exceed specific quality benchmarks on learning environment, instructional quality and all administrative standards; group size and ratios; qualifications; and professional development.”
The Marycrest Early Childhood Center also received the Gold Circle distinction in 2013, 2017, 2020 and 2024, according to the district.
“We are so proud of our Marycrest staff for receiving this award,” District 86 Superintendent Theresa Rouse said. “They play such a vital role in setting the educational foundation for our youngest learners.”
Marycrest is home to the preschool program for all of District 86. It serves 366 students between the ages of 3 and 5 in its half-day program.
In recognition of the accomplishment, Marycrest Principal Melissa Crosby was presented with a plaque by the District 86 Board of School Inspectors at the Oct. 9 school board meeting.