In recognition of its excellent child care program and its ongoing commitment to children, Stepping Stones Child Development Center in Madison has received a Two-Star Step Up To Quality Award from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services -- Bureau of Child Care and Development, the state agency responsible for licensing and promoting high standards among Ohio's child care programs.
"We congratulate Stepping Stones Child Development Center in Madison for its high-quality early care and education program that goes above and beyond Ohio's licensing standards. By reaching for the stars, Stepping Stones is helping our youngest children develop in a warm, nurturing environment that fosters growth and a love for learning," said Terrie Hare, chief of the Ohio Bureau of Child Care and Development.
Step Up To Quality is a voluntary rating system for early care and education programs. Participants can earn a one-, two- or three-star rating by meeting an extensive list of quality benchmarks. Experts say these benchmarks improve the growth and development potential of children. The rating system also gives parents a useful tool for selecting quality early childhood programs.
Two-Star Step Up To Quality programs meet the following criteria:
-- Have a ratio of one teacher for every five infants (ages birth-12 months), one teacher for every six infants (ages 12-18 months), one teacher for every seven toddlers (ages 18-36 months), one teacher for every 10 preschoolers (ages 36-48 months), one teacher for every 10 preschoolers (ages 48-60 months) and one teacher for every 16 school-aged children (ages 5-15 years).
-- Half of the lead teachers have an early childhood education certificate or degree, are familiar with Ohio's Early Learning Content Standards and have specialized training in language and literacy.
-- Teachers have 10 hours of child development training per year, above licensing requirements.
-- Employees are offered at least two employee benefits, which results in a lower turnover rate.
"Stepping Stones is honored to receive this award. Our focus has always been on the excellent care and education of our children. This Two-Star award lets families know that our commitment to children is more than just lip-service," said, owner and director Kandee Robishaw.
Achieving these benchmarks is crucial for the future of Ohio's children as more parents join the workforce and more children are cared for outside of the home. In Ohio, 65 percent of children younger than 6 have both parents in the workforce. At the same time 90 percent of brain development occurs before the age of five.
Children enrolled in high quality early learning programs, particularly low income children, are more likely to stay in school, attend college, earn more money and be employed in high-skilled jobs than their peers.
Step Up To Quality is available statewide. Visit www.stepuptoquality.org for more information.