Perry Child Development Center open house and QRS 5-star status

The Perry Child Development Center hosted an Open House for all enrolled families on Nov. 10. The center reported that about 90 people attended the festivities which included carnival games with prizes and popcorn. Each child in attendance also received a free book. The books were a donation from the United Way of Central Iowa Women's Leadership Connection. The Perry Child Development Center hosts two open houses each year giving families the opportunity to meet one another and support their children's friendships.

The Perry Child Development Center is currently the only child care/preschool in Dallas County that has earned both an accredited status from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and a 5-star rating from the Department of Human Services Quality Rating System. Research shows that high-quality early childhood programs help children develop the skills they need to succeed.

The Perry Child Development Center voluntarily participates in the Iowa Department of Human Services Quality Rating System and has recently earned a continuation of their 5-star rating. They have maintained their 5-out-of-5 star status since March of 2011. The Quality Rating System (QRS) was developed to raise the quality of child care in Iowa, increase the number of children in high-quality child care settings, and educate parents about quality in child care.

There are five levels in the QRS. For a program to be rated at a 5-star level they must meet all the level 1 and level 2 criteria and earn an additional minimum of 34 points with at least one point in each of a total of five categories. 5-Star programs must also receive an Environmental Rating Scale assessment completed by Iowa State University with a minimum score of 5.0 out of 7.0 in each assessed classroom.

The Perry Child Development Center, located at 920 18th Street, in Perry is open Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the year. The center provides preschool, child care, and school age programs for children 2-12 years of age. The Perry Child Development Center has worked hard to provide high-quality programs that are affordable for all families. Several community partners have made it possible for the Perry Child Development Center to offer scholarships which reduce tuition costs. Scholarship grants have been received from: United Way of Central Iowa Women's Leadership Connection, Dallas County Hospital, Bock Family Foundation, and St. Martin's Episcopal Church. The center also accepts families qualifying for child care assistance through the Iowa Department of Human Services.

Contact the Perry Child Development Center at (515)465-2522 for more information about the Quality Rating System, NAEYC accreditation, and enrollment opportunities.