As mandated by the State of Ohio, Family Child Care Providers must be Step Up to Quality rated by 2020 to continue serving children who receive publicly funded child care benefits.

Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) is a five-star quality rating and improvement system administered by the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. SUTQ recognizes and promotes learning and development programs that meet quality program standards that exceed licensing health and safety regulations.  The program standards are based on national research identifying standards which lead to improved outcomes for children.

Rated programs are able to register for a renewal or an increase to their rating and unrated programs are able to register for an initial rating.  Registrations are submitted using the Ohio Child Licensing and Quality System (OCLQS).

For more information regarding Step Up To Quality including helpful documents and resources, please visit the Early Childhood Ohio website at www.earlychildhoodohio.org.

As the Resource and Referral agency for our county, 4C for Children is ready to guide you through the SUTQ process.  Please visit their website, www.4cforchildren.org, for more information.