The Lee County School Board has recognized two Child Care of Southwest Florida centers as Preferred Pre-K Providers for families in Lee County.
The Joseph H. Messina Children’s Center in Fort Myers and The Community Children’s Center in Lehigh Acres received the coveted designation as Preferred Pre-K Providers after meeting a series of criteria that demonstrate the centers’ commitment to quality.
“Only five child care centers received the ‘preferred’ designation out of more than 250 that operate in Lee County,” said Chris Hansen, CEO of Child Care of Southwest Florida. “The fact that two of the five are operated by Child Care of Southwest Florida is incredible, and a true testament to the caliber and dedication of our teachers and administrative team. A high-quality early childhood education provides a strong foundation for a child’s lifelong learning, and our curriculum emphasizes social, emotional and academic learning.”
To be named a Preferred Pre-K Provider, centers must:
- Achieve and maintain a rating of 4 or above on the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida’s Quality Rating Improvement System. Both preferred centers both have 5-star ratings.
- Submit year-end articulation forms to The School District of Lee County providing academic information about incoming kindergartners that is shared with elementary schools.
- Attend District-offered training programs that offer instruction about easing the transition from pre-K to kindergarten.
- Develop a professional development plan based on identified data.
The Joseph H. Messina and Community Children’s Center will each receive $500 in classroom materials, a complimentary field trip to a feeder school for students and summer activity packets for children, in addition to being listed on the District’s website at leeschools.net.
Child Care of Southwest Florida operates six centers in Lee and Hendry counties, and each is accredited through the National Accreditation Commission for Early Learning Leaders and recognized as a Gold Seal Quality Care Program through the Florida Department of Children and Families.
About Child Care of Southwest Florida
Child Care of Southwest Florida, Inc. a nonprofit early childhood education provider with six learning centers in Lee and Hendry counties that serve more than 600 children from 6 weeks to 8 years old. Each center is accredited through the National Accreditation Commission for Early Learning Leaders and is recognized as a Gold Seal Quality Care Program through the Florida Department of Children and Families. Five of CCSWFL’s six locations have five-star ratings through the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida. CCSWFL follows the nationally recognized, research-based Creative Curriculum, with a goal of creating safe, nurturing learning environments that develop young minds, support families, strengthen the community and secure the future. Through its participation in the USDA’s Child Food Care Program, each child has access to a healthy, nutritious breakfast, lunch and snacks. Sponsor, volunteer and donation opportunities are available. For more information, please visit ccswfl.org.
