Please note: In order to limit the spread of COVID-19, our offices are currently closed and all 4C for Children staff are serving families and child care programs remotely. Visit our COVID-19 Resources Page for up-to-date information.
Individual Coaching. 4C for Children early childhood coaches will come alongside you to assess quality and develop an action plan to help programs achieve a Step Up To Quality rating.- One-Star Virtual Work Sessions. Work sessions occur via Zoom and are offered to programs in our 15-county service area and are for initial and renewal ratings. Registration is required. If you would like to receive printed SUTQ materials, please register no less than one week before the first session to ensure delivery of materials. Upcoming Sessions:
- Feb. 15 and Feb. 17, 12-2 p.m. (Registration Closes Feb. 13) Register here.
- March 15 and March 17, 12-2 p.m. (Registration Opens Feb. 8)
The following online tools are resources that will help you move through the steps required to apply for an initial or renew your family child care or center Step Up To Quality star rating.
Online Step Up To Quality Tools
One-Star Tool
Click here to access the One-Star Tool . This resource walks you through all of the steps to registering for your first star. You will also receive a free SUTQ resource binder when you sign up. The binder has all the paperwork you need to register for a one-star rating.
One-Star Renewal Tool
Click here to access the One-Star Renewal Tool. This resource will help you move through the steps required to renew your family child care or center Step Up To Quality one-star rating. All programs must submit a renewal registration no later than 90 days before the rating expires.
Two-Star Tool
Click here to access the Two-Star Tool. This resource walks you through all of the steps to registering for a two-star rating. You will also receive a free SUTQ resource binder when you sign up. The binder has all the paperwork you need to register for a two-star rating.
Three-Star Tool
Click here to access the Three-Star Tool. This resource walks you through all of the steps to registering for a three-star rating. You will also receive a free SUTQ resource binder when you sign up. The binder has all the paperwork you need to register for a three-star rating.
Three-Star Renewal Tool
Click here to access the Three-Star Renewal Tool. This resource will help you move through the steps required to renew your family child care or center Step Up To Quality three-star rating. All programs must submit a renewal registration no later than 90 days before the rating expires.
Step Up To Quality Annual Report Tool
Click Here to Access the Step Up To Quality Annual Report Tool. This online resource walks child care programs through the steps required to submit their annual report for their Step Up To Quality rating—whether family child care or center-based. All highly rated programs (3, 4, or 5 Star) must submit an annual report no later than 30 days before their Rating Anniversary date. All programs are required to maintain documentation and practices related to their current rating status.
Early Childhood Classroom Resource Tool
Contact Us
In Southwest Ohio:
- Family Child Care Providers and Child Care Centers contact Leslie Johnson, 513-758-1487
In Miami Valley:
- Family Child Care Providers and Child Care Centers contact Andrew Brzezinski, 937-723-2717
Step Up To Quality FAQ
Is a SUTQ Rating Required?
Yes. The state of Ohio has mandated that all child care providers—both centers and family child care providers—must be Step Up To Quality rated in order to serve children who receive child care subsidy. But getting rated is easier than you might think when you tap into the 4C training and coaching opportunities available to individual providers and networks of providers.
What’s the benefit to getting rated?
- Reimbursement rate increase. The amount of money you receive for each child in your program increases with each star your program earns. Use the SUTQ calculator to see the increased reimbursement you receive for providing quality early care and education.
- Lower staff turnover. Staff members in SUTQ rated programs are proud of their work and accomplishments. They have knowledge about child development and improve their teaching practices as they learn more. Turnover slows as SUTQ resources such as a formal wage structure and staff supports increase staff stability.
- Increased enrollment. Parents are choosing quality settings for their children and will be intentional in choosing SUTQ-rated programs in the future. Your SUTQ star rating is a sign of your commitment to provide quality child care.
- Help kids succeed. Children in SUTQ star rated programs score higher on Kindergarten Readiness Assessments. When children are ready for kindergarten, they read better in third grade and are more likely to graduate from high school. Children who are successful in school grow to be successful in life.
- It’s required. Starting Oct. 1, 2020, you must be SUTQ rated to provide care for children who receive publicly funded child care. If you care for children using the Swipe card or the TAPS system, don’t wait to get your first star.