About 'Step Up To Quality': Ohio's Quality-Rating System

Step Up To Quality is a voluntary rating system for early care and education centers in Ohio. Participating centers earn a one, two or three star rating by meeting an extensive list of quality benchmarks that exceed licensing standards. Experts say these benchmarks improve the growth and development potential of children. The rating system also provides a useful tool for selecting quality early childhood programs. These benchmarks include low child-to-staff ratios, group size, accreditation, staff education, specialized training, improved workplace characteristics and early learning standards.

Step Up To Quality was created by the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services - Bureau of Child Care and Development to improve the quality of child care in Ohio. Child care programs throughout Ohio are eligible and encouraged to participate. You can find more information about Step Up To Quality and search for star-rated programs by visiting www.StepUpToQuality.org.

For a brochure that explains the significance of one- through three-star ratings

Watch the SUTQ video

What Families Should Know

Step Up To Quality provides parents with a tool to help identify levels of quality when seeking a child care setting outside of their home. Child care programs participating in Step Up To Quality demonstrate a commitment toward providing quality care and education. Parents can use the rating system to gain an understanding of the factors that contribute to quality care and education, and they can then choose a child care setting that best matches their family's needs.

Watch an interview with Sallie Westheimer, 4C executive director, in which she explains how families can use this tool to find quality.

The benefits of using a star-rated program in Ohio are:

• More teachers per child - this allows a teacher to spend more time with each child
• More qualified teachers - more training in early childhood development
• A commitment to early learning and Ohio's Early Learning Content Standards
• An outstanding work environment - paid staff benefits mean staff is treated professionally, which goes a long way in retaining good teachers

Visit the 4C Step Up To Quality Photo Page

View 4C's list of star-rated programs in Southwest Ohio and Miami Valley

View the 2009 Step Up To Quality annual report

Interested in becoming star-rated? In Southwest Ohio, contact Kim Ginn, 513-758-1220, and in the Miami Valley, contact Vicki Gulley, 937-723-2718.