Licking Heights Local Schools is pleased to announce that Central Preschool has once again received a five-star Step Up to Quality (SUTQ) rating from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS).

SUTQ ratings are monitored and administered by both ODJFS and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. According to the ODJFS website, “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.”

In order to receive a five-star rating, learning and development centers have to meet SUTQ requirements such as:

—Having a higher staff member to child ratio
—Employing administrators and teachers with a bachelor’s degree or higher
—Ensuring administrators and teachers complete over 20 hours of specialized training every two years
—Developing lesson plans that support each child’s growth
—Completing staff assessments to evaluate and improve student learning experiences
—Valuing the voice of families and the surrounding community
—Supporting and valuing employees by offering benefits like health insurance, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, paid planning time and more

“Once again, our team at the preschool–from administrators to teachers to classroom aides–have done an outstanding job of serving our youngest students and setting them up for a successful educational future,” says Dr. Kevin S. Miller, Superintendent of Licking Heights Local Schools. “Their commitment to the highest standards for our learners and their families is unmatched, and we sincerely thank them for their efforts.”

Along with educating the general student population, Central Preschool provides early intervention programs for students with special needs.