STEP UP TO QUALITY FIVE STAR RATING
CONGRATULATIONS
KENNEDY EARLY LEARNING CENTER FAMILIES!
Your child is enrolled, or you may be considering enrolling your child, in a learning and development program with a level of quality that exceeds Ohio’s child care licensing standards.
High-quality learning and development programs are important because early experiences last a lifetime. Your child has approximately 1,892 days from the time he or she is born until kindergarten. What happens on this journey lays the foundation for success in school and life.
A Step Up To Quality Five-Star rating means your child is in a program that has demonstrated the highest level of quality. Below are some of the ways a program can provide increased quality at the five star level
· There are more staff members per child.
Teachers have more time to support your child’s individual development and learning. This is important because 90 percent of brain development occurs by the time your child is 6 years old.
· The administrator and teachers have higher educational qualifications.
The administrator and most teachers have a bachelor’s or master’s degree and many years’ experience working with young children. These qualifications benefit your child’s development and learning.
· The administrator and teachers complete more than 20 hours of specialized training every two years.
The administrator and teaching staff are committed to expanding their education and skills to better support your child’s development and learning.
· Teachers develop lesson plans that support each child’s growth.
Teachers plan intentional and purposeful activities and experiences that meet the needs, interests and abilities of children. These activities and experiences support them and their development.
· Program staff completes assessments to evaluate and improve the learning experience.
Assessments with your child help keep track of his or her growth over time. This lets teachers adjust how they offer experiences to your child daily.
· Families and the community are valued.
Programs work with families and neighborhood organizations to provide more opportunities for children.
· The program provides at least three of the following to staff: health insurance, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, discount on child care, paid professional development, retirement, flexible spending account, one hour of paid planning time weekly, paid holidays or life insurance.
The program supports and values employees and retains good teachers
To stay current with information regarding early learning and development programs in your area and statewide, visit www.earlychildhoodohio.org.