Step Up To Quality
Step Up To Quality is a
voluntary Three-Star Quality Rating System that recognizes and promotes early care and
education programs that meet quality benchmarks over and above minimum
health and safety licensing standards. With this program, Ohio joins
Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Maryland, Massachusetts,
New Mexico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and the District of Columbia
in implementing quality rating systems. A complete listing of states and a
description of the systems is available at
www.nccic.org
under the topic of "tiered quality rating
systems".
The steps are based on national research identifying the
key benchmarks that lead to improved outcomes for children. These
benchmarks include low child to staff ratios, group size, accreditation,
staff education, specialized training, improved workplace characteristics
and early learning standards.
Parent Fact Sheet