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HELC Receives 5-Star Award from the State of Ohio
HELC Receives 5-Star Award Houston Early Learning Center is a 5-Star Awarded PreSchool Program 

The State of Ohio's Step Up To Quality program is a Five-Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System created to recognize and promote early learning and development programs that meet quality standards over and above the health and safety licensing requirements. Participating programs earn a one-, two-, three-, four- or five-star rating by meeting Ohio’s quality program standards.

  • The State of Ohio has awarded Houston Early Learning Center (HELC) a 5-Star Rating for meeting the quality standards established by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the Ohio Department of Education!

  •  86% of the students who attend Houston Early Learning Center enter kindergarten “on track” as defined by the state of Ohio.

  • HELC has consistently maintained a 5-Star rating since the State of Ohio started the Step Up to Quality rating. 

Our Excellent Educators: 

  • HELC has 11 full-time licensed teachers by the State of Ohio.

  • HELC has 8 special education preschool interventionists.

  • HELC has 7 preschool educators with master’s degrees.

  • HELC has 3 general education assistants and 1 early childhood education tutor.

  • HELC has 12 special education assistants.

What types of programs do we offer? 

  • Three typical classrooms serving up to 144 four-year-old students in a morning and afternoon session.

  • Five classrooms serving eight typically developing three and four-year-old students and eight students ages three and four identified with a disability for a morning and afternoon session.

  • Two cross-categorical classrooms serving up to 16 students identified as medically fragile, autistic and high communication needs in a morning and afternoon session.

What types of facilities do we offer? 

  • HELC celebrated a new library this year. Students have ample room to enjoy books and activities to inspire learning.

  • HELC re-opened its computer lab with 24 new Chromebooks, a Smartboard and a new space to enjoy and learn about technology.

  • We value the importance of physical exercise by utilizing our two new blue slides, playground equipment, chalk and riding tricycles.

  • Our courtyard space allows students access to water tables, a large sandbox and gravel ‘pit’, musical instruments, picnic tables, planting and growing vegetables too.

  • The indoor gym provides students with a fun and spacious place to ride bikes, zip down a rollercoaster, hula hoop, bounce basketballs, play tag, ride scooters and so much more.