Hopkins Locke Five Star Rating Renewed

posted 7/27/20 -- Hopkins-Locke Head Start's Five Star Rating has been renewed by Ohio's Step Up to Quality program.

All of LCCAA's directly operated centers have earned the highest rating from Step Up to Quality: five stars. Most of our partner centers are also rated at five stars and none has fewer than three.

Ohio created its five-star rating system to recognize and promote early learning and development programs that meet quality standards over and above the minimum health and safety licensing requirements.

The program has been voluntary; however, beginning in 2020, all early childhood programs must be rated, or they will be ineligible for public funds. Higher ratings are given to programs employing teachers with more specialized training as well as enhanced parent, family and community engagement, among other criteria.

Since implementing the program, LCCAA Head Start has consistently maintained the highest ratings, said Director Shauna Matelski, Ed.D.

"Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our wonderful staff, we have maintained the program's integrity and quality," she said.

For additional details on the program, visit www.earlychildhoodohio.org/sutq.php.

Step Up To Quality is administered by the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.