The preschoolers and their teachers at the WSOS Child Development Center in Clyde want the community to know that the state has recognized their preschool program as a Two-Star Step Up To Quality Program. In honor of this recognition, the group extends an invitation to the community to its Open House on Friday, January 22, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The program is located at St. Mary’s Elementary School in Clyde.

 

“We’ve got something to shout about,” said Center Supervisor Kimberly Moyer, “and we want the community to know that their children in our program are receiving quality services. It is an honor to receive state recognition for our efforts.”

 

Activities are planned throughout the day for children and their families, so community residents who visit the center will be able to see how the center operates. Staff will be on hand to answer questions. Also, parents considering enrolling their children in the program for the next school year may be able to do so during the open house.

 

The Step Up to Quality rating is a voluntary rating system for early care and education programs. The awards are conferred on programs by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (DJFS), Bureau of Child Care and Development. Participants earn a one-, two- or three-star rating by meeting an extensive list of quality benchmarks. These benchmarks improve the growth and development potential of children and the rating gives parents a useful tool for selecting quality early childhood programs.

 

The two-star rating that the Clyde center earned meets the following minimum criteria:

·        Have a ratio of one teacher for every five infants (birth-12 months), one teacher for every six infants (12-18 months), one teacher for every seven toddlers (18-36 months), one teach for 3every 10 preschoolers (36-48 months,

 

 

 

·        one teacher for every 10 preschoolers (48-60 months), and one teacher for every 16 school-age children (5-15 years).

·        Half of the lead teachers have an early childhood education certificate or degree, are familiar with Ohio’s Early Learning Content Standards, and have specialized training in language and literacy.

·        Teachers have 10 hours of child development training per year, above licensing requirements.

·        Employees are offered at least two employee benefits, which results in a lower turnover rate.

 

For more information on the program at the WSOS Child Development Center in Clyde, call 419-547-3282 or toll free at 1-800-775-9767.