Easter Seals UCP CEO and President C.L. Cochran announced today that all nine of the organization’s inclusive early care and education programs located across North Carolina have earned the NC Division of Child Development’s five-star rated license, the highest ranking that can be achieved by a child care program in North Carolina. “We are extremely proud of the early childhood teams that staff these nine centers” said Cochran. “Earning a five-star license is an ongoing process, something that demands daily excellence in all activities that make up a child’s day at one of our centers.”

Easter Seals UCP’s Child Development Centers are located in Charlotte, Fayetteville, Greenville, North Wilkesboro, Raleigh, Sanford, Sparta, Spring Lake and Wilmington.

In 1999, the NC Division of Child Development began issuing star rated licenses to all eligible child care centers and family child care homes. Programs earn their star ratings based on two components that give the best indication of program quality: staff education and program standards. The star rating system was implemented by the state to enable parents to make a more informed choice as they considered child care options for their families, but it also allows facilities the opportunity to showcase their quality as they work toward excellence.

The Easter Seals UCP Children’s Centers are inclusive childcare settings serving special needs children and their families as well as typically developing children. Integrated, inclusive classrooms offer age-appropriate learning activities with speech, occupational and physical therapies provided on-site. A low student-teach ratio helps ensure that each child receives appropriate supports in order to reach his or her potential.

About Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia

Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia is a lifelong partner to families managing disabilities and mental health challenges. The nonprofit serves more than 20,000 individuals and their families annually through a wide array of services. Easter Seals UCP enhances the quality of life for individuals and maximizes their potential for engaging in their communities. For more information on Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia, please visit www.eastersealsucp.com.