Mariner Montessori is proud to announce that it has received the highest rating, a 4-star rating, from the Texas Rising Star program. The Texas Rising Star program is a quality-based child care rating system for child care and early learning programs participating in the Texas Workforce Commission's Child Care Services program. The program offers three levels of quality certification (Two-Star, Three-Star, and Four-Star) to encourage child care and early learning programs to attain progressively higher levels of quality.

Numerous studies have shown that children who attend high-quality early learning programs are more prepared for school than those who do not (Gormley, Gayer, Phillips, & Dawson, 2005; Magnuson, Ruhm, & Waldfogel, 2004). For example, a study by Gormley and colleagues (2005) found that children who attended high-quality preschool programs were more likely to have higher test scores and fewer grade retentions in elementary school. Programs that achieve Texas Rising Star certification, which means they offer quality care that exceeds the Texas Health and Human Services Commission's Child Care Regulation minimum standards, are in a better position to positively affect the physical, social-emotional, and cognitive development of children (Texas Rising Star, 2021). As programs advance through the levels of Texas Rising Star certification, they are increasingly able to positively impact the development of the children they serve.

A 4-star rated center like Mariner Montessori demonstrates a commitment to quality and excellence in early childhood education. These centers often go above and beyond the minimum standards set by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and offer a wide range of enrichment activities, resources, and support for children and families.

We are thrilled to have received the 4-star rating from the Texas Rising Star program and will continue to strive for excellence in the care and education we provide to our students.

References:

Gormley, W. T., Gayer, T., Phillips, D., & Dawson, B. (2005). The effects of universal pre-k on cognitive development. Developmental Psychology, 41(6), 872-884.

Magnuson, K., Ruhm, C., & Waldfogel, J. (2004). The effects of pre-k on school preparation and academic achievement. The Future of Children, 14(2), 187-220.

Texas Rising Star (2021). About the program. Retrieved from https://www.texasrisingstar.org/about-the-program