What happened: Midland College’s Helen L. Greathouse (HLG) Children’s Center earned a 4-star rating, the highest honor from the Texas Workforce Commission’s Texas Rising Star Program.

Why it matters: This rating signifies that the HLG Children’s Center exceeds state standards for child care. Specifically, it reflects excellence in staff qualifications, teacher-child interactions, program administration, and learning environments.

The big picture: The Texas Rising Star Program awards certifications in two, three, and four stars, encouraging providers to reach higher standards of quality. The 4-star designation highlights Midland College’s commitment to exceptional early childhood education. HLG families can trust that their children are thriving in a high-quality, development-focused environment.

Go deeper: As part of its growth, Midland College is expanding early childhood services, adding a second toddler room this fall. Over the next two years, 12 toddler seats and eight infant seats will be added, increasing access for families across the Permian Basin. 

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What they’re saying: “We are deeply grateful to our dedicated staff, supportive families, and the community for making this achievement possible,” said Shelly Haney, Associate Vice President of Early Childhood and Dean of Education at Midland College.