Background:

Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) program standards are set forth in rule 5101:2-17-01 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) for one to five-star ratings.

Due to the Governor’s current State of Emergency resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, child care programs have been operating under lower ratios. On August 9, 2020, child care programs will be permitted to resume to pre-pandemic ratios if they so choose.

Current rule requires each classroom to have a minimum of three and one-half hours daily of instructional time with a Lead Teacher. When ratio requires two teachers in a classroom the Lead Teacher meets the lead teacher educational requirements.

New Policy:

The following new procedure will be effective August 9, 2020 and will stay in effect until the Governor lifts the State of Emergency.

In the event a classroom with a Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher has divided into two classes in order to maintain a lower ratio and group size, the Assistant Teacher may be used to meet the instructional time requirements. The Lead Teacher must partner with the Assistant Teacher on the activity plan for the children and ensure that all other SUTQ standards are met. 

This option is not available if a program follows regular licensing ratio requirements pursuant to Chapter 5101:2-12 of the OAC or SUTQ ratios for 4- or 5-star points.

The following form has been revised:

The JFS 01369 “Records Transfer Policy/Request for Two to Five- Star Ratings for Step Up To Quality (SUTQ)” is one of the forms used by ODJFS staff to ensure programs/providers are in compliance with the program standard for transitioning children.

Wording has been added to remind programs their transition policy must include how the parents indicate which records will be shared during the transition.

Please contact the Child Care Policy Helpdesk at 1-877-302-2347, option 4, if you have any questions.