Background:

In October 2013, the Office of Family Assistance modified the Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) program from a three-star rating system to a five-star rating system to implement grant requirements for the Early Learning Challenge Grant (ELCG). Beginning in July 2014, licensed Type B Home providers were able to participate in SUTQ.

Policy Changes:

Part II of the JFS 01275 "Guidance Document for Step Up To Quality (SUTQ)" and the JFS 01274 "Guidance Document for Family Child Care Homes for Step Up To Quality (SUTQ)" has been revised to include the requirements for programs wanting to apply for a SUTQ rating during the application process for a child care license.

Part III of the JFS 01275 and the JFS 01274 have been revised to provide clarification and to include Type B home providers (JFS 01274 only). The following is a list of changes that were initially submitted through clearance package 7598 in July 2014:

JFS 01274 "Guidance Document for Family Child Care Homes for Step Up To Quality (SUTQ)" contains the program standards for licensed family child care homes.

JFS 01275 "Guidance Document for Programs for Step Up To Quality (SUTQ)" contains the program standards for all programs licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the Ohio Department of Education.

The guidance documents are available on forms central and www.earlychildhood.org.

If you have questions, please contact the Child Care Policy Helpdesk at 1-877-302-2347, option 4.