Child Care Provider Shares the Benefits of Participating in Step Up to Quality

For our Provider Spotlight this month we asked Dondra Coleman, owner/administrator of Learning Ladder Child Care & Development Center (LLCDC) and Learning Ladder Child Care 2 (LL2) in Lucas County to share how participating in Step Up to Quality has positively impacted her programs.   Both child care center locations are participating in Step Up To Quality, LLCDC is a 4-star rated program and LL2 is a 3-star rated program. Thanks again to Dondra for sharing your insight!

POSITIVES OF PARTICIPATING IN STEP UP TO QUALITY:
Superior Child Care

Selecting a Quality early child care provider is important!
Children benefit from high quality early learning programs by gaining the cognitive, social and intellectual skills needed to succeed in life. Our children have access to Intentional and purposeful activities designed to get them ready for learning and exploration in the school setting. Curriculum is tailored and refined for individual children, and parents are highly involved in the child’s plan.
Parent Engagement

Quality child care is essential for helping parents maintain peace of mind while in the workforce and/or while continuing their education. When parents select a SUTQ provider they agree to be active in and dedicated to their child’s success. They essentially partner with us to educate their child. We have higher levels of parent engagement, because we intentionally provide those opportunities.

Long Term Staff

The professional development and education required to obtain SUTQ ratings helps our center retain staff. We have many of our staff who started the SUTQ journey, still with us. They appreciate the opportunity for professional development, over and above their certifications. The mandatory observations help our team identify opportunities for improvement, causes for celebration and new ways to approach topics that can be shared with the rest of the staff. As an Administrator, I appreciate SUTQ because we have more cash flow. My staffing costs are supplemented by ECE funds from the State of Ohio. My staff are well trained, well compensated and well managed.  All of these together give parents comfort, knowing the staff is happy and enjoys coming to work.

ADVICE FOR THOSE NOT PARTICIPATING IN STEP UP TO QUALITY:

Sign up today. Working in an industry as important as child care means we are participating in raising the next generation of little humans. Why would you not use program standards, based on national research, which lead to improved outcomes for children? Moving through the process takes time, but your business will run smoother with SUTQ, trust me.

PLANS FOR MAINTAINING OR INCREASING STAR RATING:

Our second center recently received its third star. We anticipate escalating to our fourth star within the next year. We have been rated for more than five years. We have implemented some great components to our program for children, parents and staff. We have kept some and let others go. Our focus on continuous improvement remains steadfast. We are going for 5 stars for both centers. We are ready.

HOW THE YWCA CCR&R HAS HELPED YOUR PROGRAM:
Marketing

The free online listing provides free advertising and the childcare checklist, so we have more informed parents interviewing us. We love that!

Professional Development

As a member of the Business Success Institute, I have had the pleasure of mentoring new providers. I find the camaraderie and opportunity to network with other providers to be mutually beneficial. It’s very refreshing to interact with other providers. Access to training events and conferences that are local, and very high quality, helps my bottom line. I can train my staff and stay within budget.

Access

The YWCA CCR&R helps us expand our resources, which in turn helps our parents. When we have families needing additional services, facing unique situations, or struggling with daily living; we can make a few calls and get information from the YWCA CCR&R. We appreciate having a referral source that is specific to child and family needs.

-Dondra J. Coleman, owner/administrator of Learning Ladder Child Care

 

For more information about Step Up to Quality, please contact your local YWCA CCR&R office;

Toledo: 419-255-5519

Lima: 419-225-5465

Mansfield: 419-775-5179