Educare of Omaha, Inc. News
Fall 2024
The Hart Beat: Early Learning Center at Skinner Steps Up to Quality
Thoughts from Educare of Omaha, Inc. Executive Director Rafel O. Hart
I am so excited to share that Early Learning Center at Skinner, one of Educare of Omaha, Inc.’s five local schools, has been recognized for its commitment to quality child care and education by Nebraska Step Up to Quality, retaining Step 5, the highest rating. This is wonderful news and reflects the hard work of our teachers and staff.
Step Up to Quality is the state of Nebraska’s Quality Rating and Improvement System. Programs are awarded quality rating for meeting a defined set of program standards around program administration, child outcomes, professional development and training, family engagement and partnerships, and learning environments and program curriculum. Early Learning Center at Skinner is recognized for routinely demonstrating an exceptional level of high-quality care, and rated highest in compassionate interactions with children.
Gwendolyn Gideon has been the School Director at ELC at Skinner since November 2019 and her leadership has been monumental in ensuring that Skinner retains the Step 5 rating. A BIG Thank You to Gwen! We are so excited for and proud of the entire Skinner team. Achieving and retaining a Step 5 rating is a testament to the dedication of our staff to impact the lives of children and families in a positive way.
This Step Up to Quality rating validates that Educare of Omaha, Inc. is fulfilling our mission to prepare children and families for success in school and life. It is something that all our schools strive to achieve daily.
Click here to view a video highlighting Gwen and her team’s achievement.
Sincerely,
Rafel O. Hart
Executive Director
Celebrating the benefits of muddy play
Celebrating the benefits of muddy play
Children at Educare Omaha at Indian Hill and Early Learning Center at Gateway had an amazing time this summer at MUD DAY!!! Activities included mud kitchens, mud painting and more!
Why play in the mud? There are so many reasons!
- Mud engages all senses, stimulating the brain.
- Children learn about measurements, gravity, and cause and effect.
- New vocabulary words to describe how mud feels are learned.
- Mud play is unstructured, allowing children to be creative, problem solve and think critically.
- Exposure to germs found in outdoor elements like grass and mud help build a stronger immune system.
- Mud play is affordable! (Aside from doing some extra laundry).
Come visit us - schedule a tour!
Come visit us - schedule a tour!
The best way to learn more about Educare of Omaha, Inc. is to tour one of our schools. Click below to email Dawn and schedule a visit soon!