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CINCINNATI (June
19, 2008)-4C for Children's Prize Patrol 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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