Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) is a voluntary rating system for licensed child care programs in Ohio. The goal of the SUTQ initiative is to improve the quality of early care and education programs in order to support children's optimal development and learning. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is adopting the following rules for SUTQ. These rules and forms will be effective July 1, 2009.

The following is a summary of the rules and forms:

Rule 5101:2-17-01 Application and eligibility for Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) and appendices is a new rule that outlines the application and eligibility requirements licensed child care centers (programs) need to meet to participate in SUTQ.

Rule 5101:2-17-02 Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) Verification Visits is a new rule that outlines the components of the verification visit process and timelines and instances when programs shall notify ODJFS due to changes.

Rule 5101:2-17-03 Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) Appeals is a new rule that describes the appeal process and methods programs use to appeal to ODJFS Bureau of Child Care and Development.

The electronic version of the Child Care Manual is located at: http://emanuals.jfs.ohio.gov. The manual contains all rules, forms, transmittal letters and procedure letters that the department has issued for Step Up To Quality (SUTQ). Please contact the Office of Families and Children Help Desk at 1-866-886-3537, option 4 if you have questions regarding this information.