Step Up to Quality (SUTQ)

Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) is a voluntary three-star quality rating system administered by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) that recognizes and promotes early care and education programs that meet quality benchmarks over and above minimum health and safety licensing standards. The steps are based on national research identifying the program standards that lead to improved outcomes for children.

These standards include: low child to staff ratios, smaller group size, higher staff education, on–going specialized training, improved workplace characteristics, and early learning standards.

OCCRRA supports SUTQ by managing the Quality Achievement Award, a financial incentive for programs that become Step Up to Quality–rated and maintain their star rating. The amount of the award, disbursed in one payment, is based on a program's star rating, total enrollment and the number of subsidized children. Awards are subject to the availability of funding.

A minimum of 25% of the award must be spent on program improvements, which include: costs associated with meeting/maintaining the benchmarks, critical repair, and classroom supports.

Information on SUTQ through ODJFS
Find a SUTQ star–rated Program