Step Up to Quality - Ohio's Voluntary Quality Rating System

Ohio's Voluntary Quality Rating System

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.

Step Up To Quality - General Overview Power Point Presentation

Step Up To Quality Goes Statewide (Press Release)

Information and Resources

For Application, Guidance Document, and additional information about Step Up to Quality please visit http://www.stepuptoquality.org/

Quality Achievement Awards

For QAA's Awarded in 2007

Right click link and select 'Save Target As.'

Do not fill the QAA form out online. The information will not be saved. Be sure to save the budget form to your computer by right clicking on the link and selecting 'Save Target As.' Open it from your computer, complete, save, and email the form to us as an attachment at qaasubmissions@occrra.org.

Quality Achievement Award User Guide (Word)

QAA Budget Form (Excel)

For QAA's Awarded On or After January 2008

Right click link and select 'Save Target As.'

Quality Achievement Award User Guide (Word)

QAA Initial Budget Form (Excel)

QAA Reconciliation (Excel)

Program Information

Step Up to Quality Benchmarks and Indicators

Provider Information

Parent Information