Hillel Early Childhood Center in Farmington Hills Earns 4-Star Rating

The Hillel Day School Early Childhood Center, located in Farmington Hills, has been awarded four stars from the Michigan Department of Human Services, Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing. 

The ranking is part of the Michigan's "Great Start to Quality" program. Under the program — Michigan's new rating and improvement system for state preschools — area preschools can earn up to five stars. 

"I am so proud that we have achieved this rating by the state," said Robin Pappas, the director at Hillel's ECC. "This ranking becomes another useful tool for parents as they compare programs in the area."

The Hillel Day School ECC is the only licensed early childhood center or preschool in the Farmington or West Bloomfield area to receive a star rating under the Great Start to Quality program. 

Hillel's ECC received perfect scores in administration and management, as well as family and community partnerships. The school also received near perfect scores in environment, curriculum instruction and professional development.  

This is the third year for Hillel's ECC, which offers full- and half-day programs for 2-, 3- and 4-year-olds. Using Smart Boards and iPads, the center offers a "cutting edge curriculum" that introduces young students to Judaic studies, Jewish holidays and the Hebrew language. 

"The ECC's four-star rating reflects the same commitment we place on all our students, grades K-8," said Steve Freedman, head of school at Hillel Day School. "We're blessed to have a professional staff completely dedicated to our students."

"We are thrilled to be one of the first schools in the country to receive this gold standard," he added.

To search preschools registered with the "Great Start to Quality" program, visit greatstartconnect.org.