Early Learning Center earns Cognia’s School of Distinction Award

The Early Learning Center of UNC Health Johnston has been honored with Cognia’s prestigious School of Distinction Award, recognizing its exceptional commitment to educational quality and continuous improvement.

Cognia, a global nonprofit dedicated to advancing learning, selected the ELC as one of only 35 institutions worldwide to receive this distinction following its rigorous Accreditation Engagement Review. The center achieved an outstanding score of 388 out of 400, reflecting high standards in teaching, leadership and learning culture.

“This award celebrates institutions that demonstrate excellence and a strong culture of learning,” said Debora Williams, Cognia’s North Regional Director. “Early learning centers have unique approaches to education, and what the ELC is doing to impact students’ lives is powerful.”

Early learning programs became eligible for this recognition in 2023–2024. While several programs were honored in the inaugural year, the ELC was the only early learning program to earn the award in the 2025 cohort. During the 2024–2025 school year, Cognia conducted approximately 1,110 accreditation reviews across 14 U.S. states and four countries.

Helen Patterson, ELC director, credited her team’s dedication and preparation: “Everyone brought something valuable to the table. This achievement reflects our shared commitment to excellence.”

Cognia President and CEO Dr. Mark A. Elgart praised the awardees for “living their commitment to improve the educational experience for every student—a commitment that will serve these children for years to come.”

For more information about Cognia and its accreditation standards, visit www.cognia.org.

Pictured: The Early Learning Center of UNC Health Johnston has been honored with Cognia’s prestigious School of Distinction Award. At center, Amanda Johnson, chair of the ELC’s parent action committee, joins Helen Patterson, ELC director, in accepting the award from Debora Williams, Cognia’s north regional director. At left are Diana Thorton, teacher, and Jennifer Norris, assistant director, and at far right, April Culver, vice president of external affairs. From left, the children, all 4-year-olds, are Jaxton Campbell, Enslee Thornton, Sophia Ceballos, Cole Johnson and True Davis.