Longmont, 2/28/2021 – Sunset Academy announced today that it has been rated by Colorado Shines, the state’s quality rating and improvement system for early care and learning programs.
Sunset Academy received a Level 4 rating, a testament to its commitment to providing a high-quality learning environment that supports the development of Longmont’s children. This Colorado Shines rating is one way that Sunset Academy demonstrates its quality and dedication to continually improving the services it offers.
Growing research shows that the early years are essential to child development. In fact, neuroscientists have shown that the first five years – in particular the first three – have the greatest potential for setting a strong foundation for lifelong learning and health. During that time, children’s brains are developing at rapid rates with 700-1,000 new neural connections being formed every second. This makes it important for families to connect with quality childcare programs and preschools like Sunset Academy that support child development.
Colorado Shines is a free service offered through the Colorado Department of Human Services Office of Early Childhood. It rates Colorado’s early care and learning programs, connects families with quality programs, and helps early care and learning programs improve their quality.
The program looks at how early learning programs:
• Support children’s health and safety.
• Ensure their early childhood professionals are well-trained and effective.
• Provide a supportive learning environment that teaches children new skills.
• Help parents become partners in their child’s learning.
• Demonstrate strong leadership and business practices.
The easy-to-use Colorado Shines website allows families to find quality childcare and preschool programs such as Sunset Academy. Early learning program information available on the site includes location, hours, licensing information and, most importantly, the Colorado Shines quality rating. To learn more, visit ColoradoShines.com or ColoradoShines.com/es (in Spanish).
Sunset Academy has gone through a transformational change in the past couple of years to achieve the prestigious rating. In the five categories that the school was rated, the school measured at Level 5 in 3 of them. Those areas of strength include: Workforce Qualifications and Professional Development, Learning Environment, and Child health. Please see our score card for details.
We recognize that quality improvement does not stop at receiving the rating, but rather, it is a continuous process. We will view this as a starting point to making our school an even better school.