Recognized for Excellence, Moorpark Preschools Selected as Statewide Model Program

MOORPARK, Calif. (April 16, 2025)—Moorpark Preschool has earned a 5-star rating from the Ventura County Office of Education, marking it as one of the top preschool programs in Ventura County.

In addition to this local recognition, the program has also been named one of three preschools in California to serve as a demonstration site for Supporting Inclusive Practices (SIP), a statewide initiative focused on the inclusive and equitable education of students with disabilities.

The 5-star quality rating, awarded through California’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), is valid for four years and highlights excellence across a range of early education benchmarks.

Moorpark Preschools Program Coordinator Deonna Armijo credits the program’s top rating to its low child-to-teacher ratios, strong curriculum and ongoing staff training.

“This 5-star rating and the designation as a demonstration site by SIP is a reflection of the extraordinary care, professionalism and commitment our Moorpark Preschools staff brings to their work every day,” said Superintendent Dr. Kelli Hays. “Providing high-quality preschool experiences across all three sites not only supports our youngest learners but also lays a strong foundation for their future success in school and in life.”

The Early Childhood Center on Flory Avenue—the main Moorpark Preschools campus—joins the district’s other preschool locations at Campus Canyon and Walnut Canyon in achieving this highest possible rating, underscoring consistent, districtwide excellence in early childhood education.

Supporting Inclusive Practices is a California-based initiative that collaborates with school districts and the California Department of Education to promote systemic change in education. The program focuses on improving outcomes for students with disabilities by advancing inclusive practices through leadership development, policy reform, and targeted professional learning.

Moorpark Preschools will be part of SIP 3.0, the third phase of the initiative. As a demonstration site, the Early Childhood Center will host visiting educators from across the state beginning in fall 2025.

The goal of these visits is to show what effective, inclusive teaching looks like in action—helping more students with disabilities learn alongside their peers and supporting school teams across California in turning innovative ideas into everyday practice.

“This recognition reflects the strong partnership between our dedicated staff, supportive families and the broader Moorpark community,” Armijo said. “Together, we’ve created nurturing, high-quality preschool environments where every child can thrive. We’re proud to serve a community that values early learning and invests in its youngest learners, and we welcome everyone to explore this fabulous program.”