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CINCINNATI
(June 19, 2008)-4C for Children made a
surprise stop at the Clermont County Child Focus, Inc. headquarters,
to recognize five of their Head Start child care programs that earned
star-ratings in Ohio's Step Up To Quality program. Child Focus has
the first program in Clermont County to achieve a Step Up To Quality
star-rating, as well as the first program in the county to receive
a Three-Star rating, the highest level possible in this voluntary,
three-star rating system created to improve the quality of early
care and learning programs in Ohio.
"Child
Focus has always been on the cutting edge of any initiative supporting
quality care and education," says Patty Stefanik, Clermont
County specialist at 4C, this area's leading child care coordinating
agency. "It is great to see such commitment resulting in so
many star-rated programs!"
Four of the
Child Focus programs recently earned Three-Star ratings, and three
programs earned a Two-Star rating from the Ohio Department of Job
and Family Services - Bureau of Child Care and Development. According
to Beth McManus, Child Focus director, a total of 14 Child Focus
programs will have submitted applications for Step Up To Quality
star-rating by the fall, 2008.
"It is
a significant achievement for a center to be awarded on this level
as it requires meeting and maintaining high quality standards in
multiple areas," said Kim Ginn, 4C's Step Up To Quality coordinator.
"4C is here to help administrators and teachers complete the
professional development registry and evidence portfolio needed
to demonstrate that they meet these high benchmarks."
A Step Up To
Quality star rating means a center has gone above and beyond Ohio's
licensing standards. This includes lower child-to-staff ratios,
more highly qualified teachers and greater attention to a child's
developmental needs. 4C encourages all centers in its 23-county
service area to pursue a star rating-and then provides technical
assistance for meeting the various benchmarks required at each level.
"4C hopes
that all parents with children in early care and education settings
will ask their program administrators whether they've achieved a
star rating or are working toward one," says Kim Ginn, 4C's
Step Up To Quality coordinator.
Ginn emphasizes
that many centers may not put in time and effort until parents show
their awareness of the ratings. "Every center with a star-rating
should proudly display the official award-winning banner and poster
to let families know of their significant achievement."
Parents can
check to see if their center has earned a star rating by visiting
www.stepuptoquality.org. Here, administrators and parents can also
access a listing of criteria and next steps to earn this award.
Ginn pointed out center owners and directors can also contact 4C
for no-cost support in "reaching for the stars" by calling
513-221-0033 for more information.
4C, this area's
child care resource and referral agency, serves a 23-county area
in Southwest Ohio, the Miami Valley and Northern Kentucky. Funding
is provided in part by United Way, the City of Cincinnati, the Ohio
Department of Job and Family Services and the Kentucky Cabinet for
Health and Family Services, Division of Child Care. Visit www.4CforChildren.org
or call 513-221-0033 for more information.
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For
more information, photos or to schedule an interview,
contact Amy Gorga, 4C Communications Coordinator, at (513) 758-1310
or agorga@4cforchildren.org.
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