A child care center in Palmerton has earned a prestigious distinction.

Our Little School House, 338 Delaware Ave., has achieved a star 3 rating with the state Child Care Ratings, according to owner Cindy Simmons.

“A star requires meeting all the standards of a star 1 and 2 rating, plus completing additional child assessments and parent-teacher conferences, increasing parent involvement, and increasing communication between parents and staff,” Simmons said. “Staff are required to be more mindful of training choices. Our center needs to be aware of and maintain learning centers within each classroom.”

Simmons said the child care center was ecstatic to learn of the achievement.

“Our Little School House has worked its ways up through the star levels, one step at a time,” she said. “We are thrilled, and feel we have reached a major milestone in our growth as a center.”

Simmons said the child care center has been in operation for 11 years, adding their director, Nichole Muscato, took it upon herself to complete the final steps to reach a star 3 rating.

“A few years ago, we worked with a quality coach to create our learning centers in each classroom,” she said. “We had started the needed paperwork at that time. Most of what Nichole needed to complete was the remaining paperwork.”

Simmons said Our Little School House is a small child care center with a capacity of 25 children, and added the school’s students range from newborn to 12 years of age.

“Our Little School House provides a comprehensive preschool program daily,” she said. “Students enjoy varied and engaging learning activities throughout the day.”

Simmons said there are currently four members of her staff, and added its infant teacher/office manager has been with them for the past 10 years.

“All of our teachers are dedicated to the mission of our school to create a safe learning environment, where each student can learn and grow at their own pace based on their level of development, and to the welfare of all children enrolled,” she said. “Our staff pride themselves in taking a personal interest in every student and family that we serve.”

Simmons added that they provide “very flexible hours and rates to each family based on their individual needs.”

That doesn’t mean they haven’t had their share of challenges to face, according to Simmons, who said they have less students compared to pre-pandemic numbers.

“We have a few less students because I can’t find staffing to cover it,” she said. “We’re trying our best just to keep going.”