🌟 We Are a Step Up To Quality GOLD Program

Dear Families,

We are proud to share that the Child Development Center of Jackson County has earned the Gold Award from Ohio’s Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) program — the highest rating available to early childhood programs in the state.

This achievement reflects our deep commitment to excellence in early learning, child development, family partnership, and professional standards. When your child is enrolled here, they are part of one of Ohio’s top‑rated early education programs, and we are honored to serve your family.

🏆 What Is Step Up To Quality?

Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) is Ohio’s official quality rating and improvement system for early learning programs. It recognizes centers that go above and beyond basic licensing requirements by meeting rigorous standards proven to support better outcomes for children.

A Gold‑rated program like ours demonstrates excellence in:

📚 Curriculum & Assessment Excellence

We use The Creative Curriculum® for Birth Through Kindergarten, a nationally recognized, research‑based curriculum aligned with:

• Ohio’s Early Learning & Development Standards

• The Science of Reading

• Whole‑child development

• Individualized instruction

• Developmental screenings and assessments

We conduct formal developmental screenings, social‑emotional screenings, and ongoing assessments to ensure every child receives personalized support.

👩‍🏫 Highly Qualified Staff & Professional Development

Our team includes:

• CDA‑credentialed educators

• Teachers with Associate and Bachelor Degrees in Early Childhood Education

• Staff actively pursuing degrees through the TEACH Early Childhood® Scholarship Program

All staff complete:

• Annual specialized training

• Required state training in child development, safety, health, and curriculum

• Additional professional development required for Gold‑rated programs

This ensures our educators stay current with best practices and evolving standards.

👶 Smaller Group Sizes & Lower Ratios

Gold‑rated programs maintain lower teacher‑to‑child ratios and smaller group sizes, especially in infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms.

This allows:

• More individualized attention

• Stronger relationships

• Better developmental support

• Safer environments

Children thrive when teachers have time to truly know them.

🎯 Intentional Teaching & Data‑Driven Planning

We use screening results, observations, and developmental data to:

• Plan meaningful learning experiences

• Support each child’s unique needs

• Identify strengths and areas for growth

• Communicate progress with families

Intentional teaching ensures every child is supported at their own pace.

🤝 Family Engagement & Community Partnership

Gold‑rated programs prioritize strong relationships with families. We:

• Communicate regularly

• Provide resources and support

• Offer conferences and developmental updates

• Partner with local schools, agencies, and community programs

• Welcome families into the learning environment

Your involvement strengthens your child’s success.

💛 Support for Families Through Ohio JFS

We proudly partner with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (JFS) to support families who qualify for child care assistance.

JFS provides financial help to eligible parents who are:

• Working

• Attending school

• Participating in job training

If you believe you may qualify, contact your local JFS office or visit the Ohio JFS Child Care Assistance website.

🌈 This Gold Rating Belongs to You, Too

Your trust, partnership, and support make this achievement possible. Together, we’ve created a place where children feel confident, curious, safe, and excited to learn.

We tell our children to reach for the stars — and with your support, we’ve reached one of our own.

With gratitude,

CDC Director