ChildServe Childcare Center in Ames is proud to announce that they were recently awarded a 5-Star rating by the State of Iowa's Quality Rating System (QRS). Of more than 200 childcare centers and homes in Story county, only two others have achieved this high rating.

QRS is a voluntary program that gives childcare settings guidelines on improving their quality of childcare. By participating, they have chosen to demonstrate their desire to improve the quality of care and education their children receive.

QRS has five levels indicated by the number of stars on the provider’s QRS certificate. Centers with a Level 5 rating have made significant steps in meeting key indicators of quality in the areas of professional development, health and safety, environment, family and community partnership, and leadership and administration.

ChildServe Childcare Service Manager LuAnn Murgatroyd and Ames Site Supervisor Stephanie Troncoso said that achieving the 5-star rating has been a great motivator to improve the quality of care over the past year. “This rating signifies the passion and dedication of each one of our staff members for quality care and early education for the children we serve,” said Murgatroyd. “We also thank all of the parents and families of the children for the support and encouragement they have given our team throughout the process.”

For more information about QRS please visit www.dhs.state.ia.us/iqrs. To find out more about ChildServe Childcare Centers, please visit www.childserve.org/childcare or to schedule a visit, call 515-232-7220.