Step Up to Quality (SUTQ) is Ohio’s quality rating and improvement system for licensed child care programs. Using gold, silver and bronze levels for early care and education and school-age programs, SUTQ recognizes and promotes learning and development programs that meet quality program standards that go exceed minimum licensing health and safety regulations. By earning a rating, a child care program can demonstrate that they provide a higher level of quality care and education for children and families.
Learn about the Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) Rating Standards and what the recent changes mean for your child care program. These videos break down the updated requirements and helps you understand how to meet the standards with confidence. They are perfect for providers preparing for their next rating or just getting started!
Have SUTQ questions? We’re here to help!
Join us virtually on Zoom every third Wednesday of the month, anytime between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, to get answers to your questions, connect with experts, and keep your progress on track—because your support doesn’t stop at coaching visits.
Mark your calendar and drop in when it works for you!
Action for Children is here to support licensed child care programs to improve the quality of early childhood education in central Ohio. We do this through:
Being Step Up To Quality-rated signals to parents and the community that your program provides a higher level of quality care and education. This recognition can lead to increased enrollment as more parents seek out top-rated programs for their children.
For programs that serve families utilizing Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC), a Step Up To Quality rating can result in higher reimbursement rates. These rates increase with each level, providing a practical incentive to maintain and improve quality standards.
Step Up To Quality ratings contribute to staff retention by offering a work environment that values quality and professional growth. Prospective employees are more likely to seek out highly-rated programs, and current staff take pride in their work, knowing they are part of a top-tier program.
Achieving and maintaining a Step Up To Quality rating fosters a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth within your team. Staff members gain a sense of accomplishment and pride in being part of a program that is recognized for its commitment to quality.
Action for Children provides free on-site technical assistance to centers and family child care providers working to obtain and maintain a SUTQ rating. SUTQ recognizes and promotes learning and development programs that meet quality program standards that exceed licensing health and safety regulations. Check out our FAQ for more info!
SUTQ FAQNeed marketing materials for your SUTQ rating? Schedule your marketing materials pick up here!
You could be paid more for the work you already do! Providers who accept Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) earn additional payment increases for each star rating that they earn!
“The process is less overwhelming with their guidance.”
“Having the support from AFC’s TA staff is priceless. I would not have been as confident in applying for SUTQ nor equipped to go through the process without the support from my TAs!”
Action for Children’s professional development services are provided in partnership with Step Up To Quality, Ohio’s tiered quality rating & improvement system, and funded by the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services, Franklin County Board of Commissioners, and Action for Children’s generous donors.
Still have questions about Step Up to Quality? Get in touch with our team today!
