Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) is a voluntary five-star quality rating and improvement system administered by the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. SUTQ recognizes and promotes learning and development programs that meet quality program standards that exceed licensing health and safety regulations. The program standards are based on national research identifying standards which lead to improved outcomes for children.
A STEP UP TO QUALITY FIVE-STAR RATED PROGRAM MEANS:
- The administrator and 100 % of lead teachers have at least an associate’s degree or equivalent. These qualifications benefit your child’s development and learning.
- Child Development Associates or Higher
- The administrator and teachers complete a minimum of 30 hours of specialized training every two years.
- The administrator and teaching staff are committed to expanding their knowledge and skills to better support your child’s development and learning through professional development.
- The lead teachers use results from a classroom self-assessment to improve classroom practice.
- The program evaluates the classrooms and teacher/child interactions to make sure the environment supports children and their development.
- This allows our program to make changes to better support your child’s growth and learning.
- Relationship building with families is valued.
- Partner with families and offer opportunities to volunteer or be a part of the classroom.
- Teachers and families work together to create annual goals for children and share information about their child’s progress.
- The program offers at least one event to involve families in their child’s learning and development a year.
- Conferences, Grandparent Luncheons, Graduation, Thanksgiving Feast, Christmas Program
- The program supports and values employees
- At least five of the following are provided 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.
Developmental Screenings
Curriculum & Instruction
As a participant in the Step Up to Quality Program, all children enrolled at Noah’s Ark ages birth to 5 must be screened within 60 days of enrollment and annually thereafter. Results of the developmental screenings will be provided to the parent/guardian. If the screens indicate possible concerns about a child’s development, a referral will be made. Children Birth to 3 will be referred to Help Me Grow. Children 3 to 5 will be referred to the Educational Services of the child’s school district.
Noah’s Ark Child Development Center uses the Creative Curriculum along with a daily emphasis on biblical teaching and principles. The Creative Curriculum uses exploration and discovery as a way of learning. Children’s exploration and investigation of the world around them enables children to develop confidence, creativity and lifelong critical thinking skills. Daily routines and meaningful experiences help teacher’s respond to children’s strengths, interests and needs.
The Staff at Noah’s Ark share God’s love with the children. They introduce each child to the Bible through bible stories and bible songs. Staff teach children to talk to God through prayer and show God’s love to others through sharing, being kind to one another, and missions.
Family Participation
Parents are encouraged to participate whenever possible in the activities at the center. Parents have unlimited access to all areas of the building used for child care during the hours of operation. Parents may wish to attend field trips, class parties, and special luncheons or simply stop in to join the daily fun. Teachers are available to discuss a child’s progress or needs at any time. However, due to staff responsibilities and schedules, parents are asked to make appointments with staff when it is necessary to engage in any lengthy conversations. Teachers want to be able to focus on you and your child at these times.
Please feel free to bring concerns up when they occur. Often they can be addressed when they are little problems, before they grow into bigger problems. Our staff members fully realize that you are trusting us with your little ones and we want our relationship to be a good one.
