AFC Answers Your Step Up to Quality Questions!
08/30/24
With the recent changes to Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) this summer, Action for Children’s team of coaches has put together info sessions and answers to your burning Step Up To Quality questions!
What is Step Up To Quality?
Step Up to Quality (SUTQ) is Ohio’s quality rating and improvement system designed for licensed child care programs. The system utilizes a three-tier gold, silver, and bronze scale to recognize and promote learning and development programs that meet quality program standards and surpass minimum 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, distinguishing themselves as leaders in the early care and education space.
Who is Step Up To Quality For?
Step Up to Quality is open to all licensed Family Child Care and center-based programs in Ohio! Regardless of how big or small your program is, all children in central Ohio can benefit from being in a program with high-quality standards and a commitment to continuous professional improvement – and so can you.
Why Should I Consider Getting Step Up To Quality Rated?
Recognition of Quality Care
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, trusted programs for their children’s early development.
Higher Reimbursement Rates
For programs that serve families utilizing Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC), getting a Step Up To Quality rating can lead to higher reimbursement rates. These rates increase with each level, providing a monetary incentive to maintain and improve quality standards.
Improved Staff Retention
Step Up To Quality ratings contribute to staff retention by offering a work environment that values quality, continuous improvement, and professional growth. Being part of a top-tier program that is recognized for its quality can be a powerful motivator for both current and prospective employees!
Demonstrating Professional Achievement
Earning and maintaining a Step Up to Quality rating fosters a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth within your team. And this doesn’t just benefit children – it instills a sense of pride and accomplishment in your staff members and lets them know that you are invested in them too!
Dedicated Coaching and Support
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 one-on-one coaching support, customized goal-planning, professional development, connections to get your questions answered, and exclusive resources and community support. Whatever you need along your Step Up To Quality journey, you have a dedicated coach and support team to help you each step of the way!
How Can I Learn More About Step Up To Quality?
Do you have questions about Step Up To Quality? We’ve got you covered! Following the release of the new SUTQ standards in July 2024, Action for Children partnered with the Department of Children and Youth to create information sessions to help child care providers navigate these changes. These sessions will cover all the new information on the updated Step Up to Quality requirements and offer a Q&A segment for further clarification.
Upcoming Information Sessions
Here’s a schedule of our upcoming Step Up To Quality information sessions.
*Dates & times are subject to change
September 26th – 5:45pm – 7:45pm
Fairfield County District Library, 219 North Broad St. Lancaster, OH 43130
October 3rd – 9:00am – 12:00pm
Circleville City Schools District Office
Alumni Room, 388 Clark Dr. Circleville, Ohio 43113
October 5th – 10:00am – 12:00 pm
Virtual via Zoom
October 16th – 9:00am – 12:00 pm
TBD Location, Licking County, Ohio
October 17th – 1:00 pm – 3:00pm
Delaware Area Career Center, 4565 Columbus Pike, Delaware, OH 43015
October 24th – 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Fawcett Center, 2400 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH 43210
Stay tuned for sign-up links through OCCRRA! Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding of Step Up To Quality and take your program to the next level.
Author: Marie Miller, Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) Program Coordinator at Action for Children
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.
Action for Children is the local child care resource and referral agency for central Ohio, and is committed to assuring quality early learning experiences for all children. Our services focus on transforming the lives of children by supporting the everyday heroes who most influence our children’s early growth; care givers, educators, parents, and guardians. Learn More.