Morriss Tiger Learning Center Earns Four-Star Texas Rising Star Certification
TEXARKANA, Texas — Morriss Tiger Learning Center has earned a Four-Star certification through the Texas Rising Star program, recognizing the Texarkana ISD program’s commitment to providing high-quality care and learning experiences for children.
The recognition followed an assessment visit completed Aug. 13. Morriss received a verified overall rating of four stars, with four-star ratings in director and staff qualifications and training, teacher-child interactions, and program administration.
“This Four-Star recognition is a reflection of the care, preparation, and intentionality our staff brings to Morriss Tiger Learning Center every day,” said Lakesha Taylor, executive director of student and family support services. “What makes us especially proud is what these results represent: children being welcomed into a nurturing environment where they are known, supported, and given opportunities to learn, grow, and flourish. We are very proud of the Morriss team.”
Texas Rising Star assessments evaluate programs across multiple areas of quality, including staff qualifications and training, teacher-child interactions, program administration, and learning environments. During the Morriss assessment, evaluators documented numerous examples of positive interactions between staff and children. Teachers were observed creating warm, nurturing environments, responding to individual children’s needs, maintaining patient, relaxed classroom settings, and engaging children through positive conversations and activities.
The assessment also found that Morriss met Texas Rising Star structural requirements related to staff orientation and training, family education and involvement, community resources, and accommodations for children and families.
“This recognition belongs to our entire team,” said Jennifer Treadway, director of childcare services. “Our staff works hard to create a place where children feel safe, valued, and excited to be here. Receiving Four Stars is validation of that work, but even more important is knowing that the things our team does every day are making a difference for children and families.”
That work is supported by the leadership of Debra Morrison, Morriss Tiger Learning Center supervisor and a longtime Texarkana ISD employee. Morrison plays an integral role in the center’s daily operations, mentoring staff and helping ensure the program remains focused on providing consistent, high-quality care for children and families.
“Debra’s leadership is an important part of the success of Morriss Tiger Learning Center,” Treadway said. “She leads with experience, compassion, and a genuine love for the children and families we serve. She is a great mentor to our staff, and the care and attention she gives to this program can be seen throughout the program.”
The assessment highlighted several strengths in teacher-child interactions. Evaluators observed teachers offering children choices, engaging them in conversations about their interests and school experiences, responding attentively to their communication, and creating opportunities for children to talk, think, and participate throughout the day.
The program also received strong marks for administration and family engagement. Assessment documentation noted ongoing parent communication, access to community resources, family opportunities to provide input on the program, health and nutrition supports, a developmentally appropriate curriculum, and resources for teachers to support curriculum planning and student progress.
About Texas Rising Star
Texas Rising Star is a quality rating and improvement system for Texas early childhood programs. Participating programs are evaluated using standards designed to measure and promote quality across areas such as staff qualifications, teacher-child interactions, program administration, and learning environments.