Marc Cisneros Center for Young Children Receives Four-Star Rating
Texas A&M University Kingsville
KINGSVILLE, TEXAS (News Release) — Officials at the Marc Cisneros Center for Young Children (MCCYC) on the campus of Texas A&M University-Kingsville, have announced that the center has received a four-star rating from the Texas Rising Star (TRS) program.
“This achievement is part of our participation with Workforce Solutions, as TRS serves as the quality rating and improvement system for all early childhood programs linked to Texas Workforce Commission’s subsidized childcare program,” said Dr. Marisol Loredo, center director.
“This rating reflects our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education and care to the families in our community” she said. “I am proud of our team for their dedication and hard work in meeting and exceeding these standards.”
“The four-star rating represents the highest level of quality achievable within the program, signifying excellence in areas such as staff qualifications, curriculum, family engagement and program administration,” Loredo added.
The MCCYC is the only childcare center in Kingsville to have a four-star rating, the highest available in the TRS program. However, there is one four-star home-based center in the city. There are about 30 home-based and center-based programs in the Coastal Bend with four-star designations.
The center staff received some very positive feedback from the committee
The teachers were observed using language to add meaning and expand conversations with children, including sign language, labeling emotions like sad, happy, and sorry, and expanding discussions during book readings.
The teachers consistently use positive praise with phrases like, “you did it,” “good job,” “thank you,” “I’m sorry,” “there you go,” “thank you for trying,” and more. They were also noted for giving children choices, allowing them to pick books, asking questions while looking out the window, and engaging with children in pretend play and gentle interactions.
Teachers provide guidance by explaining what is coming up next, helping children understand routines like clean-up time, and even discussing community helpers like the police officer that visits the center. The TRS observer also highlighted the teachers' use of descriptive praise.
Loredo said the center applied for the TRS program in September 2024. Their unannounced visit was conducted May 7, 2025; and the results were announced May 13.
