JCC early childhood school earns highest rating

In recognition of excellence and an ongoing commitment to children, the JCC Early Childhood School has received a Three-Star Step Up To Quality Award from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Bureau of Child Care and Development, the state agency responsible for licensing and promoting high standards among Ohio’s early care and education programs. To celebrate this major achievement, the Mayerson JCC is holding a 3-Star Celebration on Thursday, Aug. 23 at 5 p.m. Cake and snacks will be served in the sunny JCC courtyard. Everyone is invited.

“We applaud the JCC Early Childhood School for its dedication to children. By going above and beyond Ohio’s minimum licensing standards, the JCC Early Childhood School gives its young children the opportunity to grow and develop in a stimulating, nurturing environment,” said Terrie Hare, chief, Ohio Bureau of Child Care and Development.

Step Up To Quality is Ohio’s voluntary rating system for early care and education programs. Participating programs can earn a one-, two- or three-star rating by meeting an extensive list of quality benchmarks. Experts say these benchmarks improve the growth and development potential of children. The rating system also gives parents a useful tool for selecting quality early childhood programs.

Three-Star Step Up To Quality programs are the highest rated programs in Ohio and have lower teacher to student ratios that meet national high-quality early care and education standards. All lead teachers have a degree in Early Childhood Education and receive 10 hours of specialized training per year.

“The JCC Early Childhood School is pleased to receive this award which tells families we’re serious about quality. Our Star Rating means we have more highly educated teachers working to prepare children for kindergarten with a higher degree of professionalism,” said Debbie Brant, JCC board vice president.

In addition to exceeding quality standards, the JCC Early Childhood School also offers weekly enrichment which includes music, fitness and inter-generational activities. The school celebrates Jewish holidays and Shabbat with songs, stories, art, special foods and traditions. Full day preschoolers also enjoy year-round swimming and fitness at no additional cost.

For information about the JCC Early Childhood School, contact Denise Schnur, school director.