Our Accreditations and Partnerships

In 1998, the Center was awarded Accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). ZCEC continues to adhere to quality standards and best practices in nurturing and educational child care services with the implementation of the Illinois Learning Standards “Bench Marks of Learning” set by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Pre-kindergarten and the Environmental and Quality Rating Scales Systems through Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies and National Lewis University.

In 2003 Zearing Child Enrichment Center received the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Early Learning Partner Pre-Kindergarten Block grant. This classroom has been identified by ISBE as a Model Classroom training site.

The Center collaborate with the University of Illinois Extension in 2006 provides high quality after school services for children five through twelve years of age.

November 1, 2008 ZCEC joined with Gateway Services, Inc. to house their Early Intervention Program for children 0-3 years of age. Thus, allowing a more natural environment for children and the advantage of incorporating interaction with other children to help further enhance a child development.

Zearing Child Enrichment Center received the Quality Rating System-Star Level 2 Recognition for successfully accomplishing a comprehensive evaluation using the Environment Rating Scales (ERS) tool which looks at space and furnishings, personal care routines, listening and talking or language-reasoning, activities, interaction, and program structure. QRS and ERS were developed through the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership, evaluation implemented through Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA) and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).

Each day, the board, staff and families at Zearing Child Enrichment, Inc. contribute significantly to the economic stability of our community. As we have provided over 36 years of service to the community, we proudly celebrate our past tradition and continuing mission to provide excellent and comprehensive childcare services. Our history tells a wonderful story about many people who are connected by this commitment to excellence.