Earlier this month, Clay City Schools pre-k teacher Ms. Worrell’s classroom was recognized as a Gold Circle of Quality recipient. “The Gold Circle of Quality recognizes programs which have demonstrated quality on all fifteen standards, as validated by a state approved assessor. Gold Circle programs meet or exceed specific quality benchmarks on learning environment, instructional quality, and all program administrative standards; group size and staff/child ratios; staff qualifications; and professional development,” (ExceleRate Illinois, N.D.). This means that Clay City’s Preschool for All/Preschool for All Expansion (PFA/PFAE) program has achieved recognition in ExceleRate Illinois, the state’s quality recognition and improvement system for early learning and development programs.
This is Ms. Worrell’s third year in preschool at Clay City Schools. These assessments happened last year during her second year of teaching. To achieve this status during her state assessments this early in her time here is a great feat. Ms. Worrell, with the help of her first year aide Bailey Billingsley, holds both AM and PM preschool classes with a total of 22 students. Clay City is incredibly proud of Ms. Worrell and the work she has done to make the preschool program a stellar success! Congratulations Ms. Worrell!