Inside Bulldog Early Learning Academy, excellence isn’t something that happens once—it’s something that is built every day. This year, BELA received its second Gold Circle of Quality designation from the Illinois State Board of Education through monitoring conducted by the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood at National Louis University. While the award itself is a remarkable achievement, those who work inside the building see it as something deeper: confirmation of the care, teamwork, and dedication that define the program.

Principal Alesha Allen remembers the early days of the building well. “We’ve had a pre-K program in the school for years, but we’ve only been housed in this building for four years,” she explained. That first year came with challenges, including a staff where “over half of our staff was brand new to early childhood.” Even so, the team rose to the occasion, earning the Gold designation during their very first evaluation. This year, they achieved Gold again—and improved their scores in every classroom.

The evaluation process itself is thorough. Teams of observers spend half a day in each classroom, reviewing lesson plans, observing instruction, and ensuring that every aspect of the program meets state standards. The observers evaluate everything from classroom environments and curriculum to documentation of student progress and family engagement.

What makes BELA’s success especially meaningful is that it reflects a shared commitment among every adult in the building. Allen emphasized that excellence is never the work of one person alone. “This is an amazing place, and it takes every single person—custodian, office staff, nurse, everyone,” she said. That team mindset has created an environment where continuous improvement is not just expected, but embraced.

A key part of BELA’s program is its inclusive approach to early childhood education. Special Education Inclusion Specialist Paige Morris works alongside teachers and paraprofessionals to ensure every child has what they need to succeed. “Everybody was treated the same. They all had the same opportunities to learn and grow at their own pace.,” she explained.

Pre-K teacher Steffanie Ferrell shared how valuable that support can be, explaining that Morris is always ready to help. “If I say, hey, I have a kiddo that’s needing this, do you have any ideas? She’s really good at finding what we need,” she said. Sometimes the solution is as simple as providing headphones to help a child stay calm during nap time. Other times, it involves creating visual schedules or adapting lessons to support individual learning styles.

The philosophy guiding BELA’s staff is rooted in understanding each child as an individual. Paraprofessional Michelle Douglas described the mindset clearly, saying, “We meet children where they are, and we go from there.” Instead of expecting every child to learn in the same way, teachers and staff adjust their approach to help each student grow.

That approach extends to every child in the program. Morris explained, “We all know they learn. It’s just they learn differently.” By recognizing those differences, BELA creates an environment where all students feel supported and capable.

Collaboration among staff plays a major role in the program’s success. Paraprofessional Bekah Hawkins reflects, “We support each other, share ideas, and do whatever we can to make sure every student has what they need to succeed.”

The program also emphasizes building strong connections with families. Monthly family engagement nights provide opportunities for parents to participate in activities, connect with staff, and become part of the learning community. These events strengthen the partnership between school and home, creating a support system that extends beyond the classroom.

Even with two Gold designations, BELA’s staff remains focused on growth. Teacher Whitney Nicholes described their mindset simply: “We didn’t settle for gold. We wanted to do better.” That commitment to improvement reflects their belief that excellence is not a destination, but an ongoing journey.

At its heart, BELA’s success is driven by a shared sense of purpose. As Ferrell reflected, “We are here for the children.” Every lesson, every conversation, and every effort is guided by the goal of helping young learners build the foundation they need for future success.