The Rome City School District Early Childhood (Pre-K) Program has earned a 4-Star Provisional Rating, as recently announced by QUALITYstarsNY, New York State's quality rating and improvement system for early childhood programs.
The RCSD Early Childhood Program, located at the Clough Pre-K Center, achieved the prestigious honor for its “commitment to creating high-quality early childhood experiences.”
“Our 4-Star rating validates the hard work, consistency, and commitment our team has shown,” said Molly Mytych, Principal of the Rome Early Childhood Program. “It demonstrates that refining practice, engaging families, documenting growth, and collaborating has made us a continued high-quality program in New York State. It is recognition that our collective effort is making a difference for children and families.”
A program's Star Rating is determined by a point system based on QUALITYstarsNY Standards, which represent the best practices and policies in early childhood care and education. Developed by leading experts in the field of early childhood learning and development from across the state and then validated by research, QUALITYstarsNY Standards are used to assess and rate the quality of an early childhood program.
Programs earn points toward their rating for meeting these key quality indicators and receive a 1-5 Star rating. Points are earned in each of four categories: Learning Environment, Family Engagement, Qualifications & Experience, and Management & Leadership.
Highlights that contributed to Rome’s exceptional rating include:
Strengthened Classroom Practice: Staff implemented consistent routines, intentional center design, and strategies aligned with NYS Standards and Pyramid practices. Walkthroughs and coaching kept the focus sharp.
Elevated Documentation: Clear expectations were set for Teaching Strategies GOLD documentation, emphasizing not just completion but quality evidence that shows growth over time.
Family Engagement Became Partnership: Families receive regular newsletters, contribute to projects, and give feedback through surveys. Events are more intentional, connecting families to standards and learning.
Professional Development Culture: A commitment was made to including all staff in ongoing cycles of professional development. Training is tied directly to instructional application, with time to reflect and practice.
Leadership & Accountability: Expectations were clarified, systems became more consistent, and staff held themselves—and one another—accountable for high standards.
Collaboration: Building stronger teamwork across roles helped ensure everyone has a hand in children’s success, not just the lead teacher.
With a 4-Star Provisional Rating, the program also automatically qualifies for a QUALITYstarsNY Environment Rating Scale (ERS) assessment, which will further contribute to its final awarded Active Rating.
The RCSD Early Childhood Program is designed to broaden the learning experiences of the preschool child. To learn more, please visit the RCSD Early Childhood Program webpage.