West Hills College Lemoore earns top rating for infant and toddler program

WHCL received the five-tier rating for its infant/toddler program and each class rated has been awarded $10,000 to use to improve quality. QRIS rates programs using a “tier” rating system, from 1-5, with 5 being the highest level of quality. 

“I am thrilled and proud,” said Nancy Jeffcoach, WHCL Child Development Center Site Supervisor. “Our goal as a program is to utilize this funding to build on training for staff, technology and classroom equipment. I want to thank the college for all the support we get as well as our staff for ensuring the children in our community are receiving quality care that is nurturing, supportive and builds on knowledge and fosters the children’s innate desire to learn and discover.”

WHCL participated in the rating process in September, with both infant and toddler classrooms receiving visits from observers who rated based on criteria including emotional and behavioral support, teacher sensitivity, behavior guidance, and facilitation of learning and development.

WHCL also received a visit last year as well for observation of its three to five-year-old program and received two four tier ratings and the only five tier rating for a class in Kings County.

The intent of the state-wide quality improvement program, and the local QRIS block grant, is to improve the quality of early and school-age care and education programs through the alignment and coordination of system wide initiatives. QRIS provides staff trainings and educational supplies as well as instructional support.