Red Bay daycare celebrates STAR rating

Kaye and Nick’s Playhouse Daycare in Red Bay  is celebrating exciting news: The local has achieved a STAR rating in Alabama Quality STARS, Alabama’s Quality Rating and Improvement System.

Kaye and Nick’s Playhouse Daycare was recognized by the state of Alabama for its ongoing effort to provide quality early care and education above state minimum licensing requirements.

“It is an honor to be a part of Alabama Quality STARS. I believe being a part of this building block system shows our commitment to the children we provide care for each day and that we continue to strive for excellence,” said LaTasha Palmer, owner/center director.

Palmer said the designation comes after significant preparation, which included an extensive orientation session, staff enrollment in the Alabama Pathways Professional Development Registry and training on environment and administration assessments. The process culminated in a program review conducted by Alabama Quality STARS staff.

Alabama began statewide implementation of its QRIS in February 2016. Participation in a QRIS gives early care and education programs the opportunity to assess and improve the quality of the services provided to children and families. Research on brain development shows the need to focus on quality early care and education as the foundation for children to be successful in school and in life.

“Kaye and Nick’s Playhouse Daycare is honored to serve the families of this community by providing quality early care and education,” Palmer said. “This milestone means our staff will have program enhancement support and priority consideration for training and educational scholarships.

“We pledge to continue to strive to provide the highest quality early care and education possible.”

Alabama Quality STARS is an initiative of the Alabama Department of Human Resources, in collaboration with the University of Alabama.

The daycare is located at 830 Dogwood Drive, Red Bay.