What is Step Up to Quality?
Step Up to Quality: Ohio’s Quality Rating System for Child Care Providers
Step Up To Quality is Ohio’s voluntary quality rating system, for ODJFS licensed child care programs. Step Up To Quality identifies early care and education programs that go above Ohio’s licensing standards. Supports and awards are offered to help programs in achieving and keeping a Star Rating. Programs that go beyond the minimum health and safety standards can earn stars. This is done by meeting the quality program standards for the State of Ohio.
Click on the “How the CCR&R can help” tab above to learn more about how we can help your program earn a star rating!
How the CCR&R can help
We’re here to help you earn a star rating.
The YWCA Child Care Resource & Referral can assist programs in becoming rated, renewing ratings, and increasing their rating through one on one coaching with issues such as preparing your required documentation, creating a professional development plan, room arrangements, lesson planning and more.
If you have questions about Step Up to Quality or would like to begin the application process, please contact the Step Up to Quality Coordinator at your local YWCA CCR&R office:
- Toledo: Heather Dunzweiler 419-255-5519
- Lima: Mary Smicklas 419-225-5465
- Mansfield: Susan Martin 419-775-5179
Information for families
ODJFS has created fact sheets for programs to share with families. These fact sheets help families understand what it means for your program to be rated and some of the things that they might see happening as you work towards higher star ratings. There is one sheet for each star rating, click on the images below to view the fact sheets and make sure to print the appropriate one to share with the families that you work with.
Two Star
Three Star
Four Star
Five StarHelpful Links
If you are looking for additional information about Step Up to Quality, there are a number of resources you may find helpful:
ODJFS Step Up to Quality Information
Step Up to Quality: A Guide for Child Care Providers
Ohio Child Licensing and Quality System (OCLQS)
The Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association (OCCRRA)