Information for Providers
Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) is a 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.
For
more information regarding SUTQ including helpful documents and resources, please visit the Bold Beginning website at www.boldbeginning.ohio.gov.
The following information is for providers. If you're looking for information about how SUTQ makes it easy to find a great program for your child, please see the SUTQ Information for Families.
SUTQ Payment Estimator Tool
Request for Review
Program Standards and Requirements
Serious and Moderate Risk Non-Compliances
Step Up To Quality: A Guide for Child Care Providers
Step Up To Quality Requirement Summaries
Step Up To Quality Progression Charts
Overview of SUTQ Program Standards for Family Child Care Webinar
Licensing and SUTQ Specialists
Accrediting Bodies for SUTQ and Publicly Funded Child Care
Early Childhood Program Transition Best Practices
Rated programs are able to register for a renewal or an increase to their rating and unrated programs are able to register for an initial rating. All SUTQ registrations must be completed and submitted using the the Ohio Child Licensing and Quality System (OCLQS). OCLQS can be accessed by clicking the button below.

Individuals seeking to be approved trainers and training approvals must be recognized as Ohio Approved. Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association (OCCRRA) coordinates the Ohio Approval process for professional development offerings and instructors. Visit your registry profile to apply. Questions pertaining to the approval process should contact approval@occrra.org.
The
Early Learning Assessment (ELA) is the formative assessment component of Ohio's
comprehensive early childhood assessment system called Ready For
Kindergarten. For information regarding the ELA,
please visit http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Early-Learning/Guidance-About-Kindergarten/Early-Learning-Assessment. The information includes implementation timelines,
required and optional users, professional development requirements, technology
updates and family resources.