KinderKids Learning Center is proud to announce that it has earned a 5 STAR Rating from Alabama Quality STARS, the highest recognition awarded by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) and the Department of Early Childhood Education.
This distinction places KinderKids among an elite group of early childhood programs in the state with it being the second in Baldwin County and one of only about 50 centers in Alabama to meet the rigorous standards required for a 5 STAR Rating.
Alabama Quality STARS is the state’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) for licensed childcare and early learning programs. It evaluates centers on a scale of 1 to 5 stars based on a wide range of criteria, including teacher-child interactions, classroom environments, curriculum, staff qualifications, family engagement, and overall program administration.
“Receiving a 5 STAR Rating isn’t just about a gold star on paper,” Johnnie Frost, Owner and Executive Director of KinderKids Learning Center, said. “It’s a reflection and recognition of the incredibly high standards we’ve met across every single area of our program.”
The journey to 5 STARS involved a months-long, in-depth evaluation process that required KinderKids to provide extensive documentation, welcome external evaluators into classrooms, and implement quality measures well beyond basic licensing requirements. Staff members completed advanced professional development, upgraded classroom practices, and strengthened family engagement and administrative systems to meet the state’s top benchmarks for excellence.
“This recognition is a true testament to the unwavering commitment of our staff to elevate early childhood education as a respected and valued profession,” Frost said. “Their dedication to providing high-quality care and education is the driving force behind this incredible accomplishment. Each day, I am continually inspired by their passion, professionalism, and determination to be the very best for our children and families. We are incredibly proud, and deeply humbled, to be the first and only center in Daphne with this distinction. It’s a huge win for our team, and for every child who walks through our doors.”
By participating in Alabama Quality STARS, KinderKids is not only raising the bar for early childhood education in Baldwin County but also giving families a trusted, research-backed guide for choosing high-quality care during their children’s most formative years.
