Background:

As the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) and the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) implement the five-star Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) program, the departments continue to identify areas to strengthen efficiency and consistency.

New Policy:

Two SUTQ rules and one form are being amended to include the policy changes detailed below. These amended rules and form will be effective May 24, 2015.

5101:2-17-03 "Step Up To Quality (SUTQ): desk reviews, verification visits and star rating awards" has been amended to clarify the process for rating a new program when the owner has other SUTQ rated programs. The amendments also include new processes for rating programs when the owner changes, the program moves to a new location or a family child care provider changes the type of provider.

5101:2-17-04 "Step Up To Quality (SUTQ): changes, renewals, removals or requests to withdraw a SUTQ rating" has been amended to clarify the process for the reduction or removal of star ratings. It has also been amended to remove duplicative language.

JFS 01556 "Request to Withdraw from Step Up To Quality" has been revised to add a field for the desired date of withdrawal.

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