Step Up To Quality

Congratulations!!

Your child is enrolled or you may be considering enrolling your child in an early care and education program who’s level of quality exceeds Ohio’s child care licensing standards.

High quality early care and education settings are important because early experiences last a lifetime. Your child has 1,892 days from the day they are born until they enter kindergarten. What happens on this journey lays the foundation for school and life success. A Step Up To Quality One Star rated program means that your child is in a program with:

·         Lower staff:child ratios in the infant room

This means the teachers have more time to support your baby’s individual development and learning. This is important because 85% of brain development occurs by the time your child is 3 years old.

·         The administrator and at least one teacher have a credential and/or a degree in early childhood education.

This means that the administrator and teacher(s) have the specialized knowledge to support your child’s development and learning. This is important because just like a doctor needs formal education, so do those working with young children. It’s no less important than for any other profession.

·         The administrator all lead teachers and assistant teachers complete 5 hours of specialized training annually.

This means that the administrator and teaching staff are committed to expanding their

education and skills to better support your child’s development and learning. This is important because every year there is new information being discovered and everyone working with young children needs to know about it.

·         Provides administrative supports and at least one benefit (such as insurance, paid leave, tuition reimbursement etc.).

This means that the program is a place where employees are supported and treated

professionally. This is important because good programs retain good teachers.

·         Teachers who are familiar with Ohio’s Infant Toddler Guidelines and Early Learning Content Standards.

This means that your child’s program is aware that there are guidelines and standards. This is important because this information assists teachers in supporting your child’s development and learning.

Step Up To Quality Programs are only eligible for a Star Rating if they have not had any

serious risk licensing non-compliances within the past 12 months. If this program were to have a serious risk non-compliance, their rating would be either suspended or removed based on the non-compliance.