Providence Center for Child Development first in Alaska to achieve Level 3 Learn & Grow quality recognition

Designation is the highest currently available in Alaska and demonstrates a commitment to high-quality programming in child care

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Providence Center for Child Development has achieved a Learn & Grow Level 3 quality recognition, the highest level currently available in Alaska. Providence is the first and only of Learn & Grow’s 130 participants to achieve this level.

Learn & Grow, Alaska’s Quality Recognition & Improvement System (QRIS), utilizes a systematic approach to improve the quality of care and education in licensed early childhood education programs and helps parents better understand that level of quality.  Learn & Grow provides a five-level quality framework, of which three levels are currently available for programs to work towards. The program is housed and managed by thread, Alaska’s Child Resource & Referral organization.

“We are excited to announce Providence Center for Child Development has achieved Level 3 in Learn & Grow, leading the way in creating and maintaining a high-quality program,” said Meghan Johnson, early childhood system director at thread. “The commitment and dedication shown by the center’s team as they achieved some big goals has given their children a beautifully improved environment to learn and grow in.”

High-quality child care employs qualified teachers, provides educational experiences to prepare children for life as well as the transition to kindergarten and offers a stimulating, age-appropriate environment that inspires confidence from parents and families.

“The Providence Center for Child Development is committed to helping children reach their potential in a safe, nurturing environment that enriches their development,” said Chris Jurenka, manager of child care services at the Providence Center for Child Development. “We are so pleased to partner with Learn & Grow to advance excellence in child care in Alaska.”

The Providence Center for Child Development is also accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). NAEYC’s standards align fully with Learn & Grow’s and provide infant and early childhood mental health consultation for staff, employee benefits and staff wellness activities, along with a strong dedication to supporting children’s social emotional, motor, language and cognitive development.

Jurenka has played an important role in the development and implementation plans of Learn & Grow in Alaska since 2013, providing insight into feasible and achievable practices for Alaska’s early childhood programs. Providence Center for Child Development embarked on their high-quality journey with Learn & Grow in 2016, when the system officially launched in Alaska. 

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Providence Alaska is part of Providence, a not-for-profit network of hospitals, care centers, health plans, physicians, clinics, home health services, affiliated services, and educational facilities. For more information about Providence, visit providence.org/about/alaska.  

 Learn & Grow, Alaska’s Quality Recognition and Improvement System (QRIS), is a systematic approach to improve the quality of care and education in licensed early childhood education programs. QRIS systems help child care programs improve and communicate the level of their quality to parents. They also help parents understand the level of quality in child care programs. Learn & Grow is housed and managed by thread (www.threadalaska.org), Alaska’s Child Resource & Referral organization. For more information visit www.aklearnandgrow.org.