The POINT YMCA Early Childhood Center Wins State Award for Excellence
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Karen Beaty, POINT YMCA Early Childhood Center at Stillwater UMC
Phone Number: 937.454-9405 ext. 105
Fax Number: 937.836-3045
The POINT YMCA Early Childhood Center Wins State Award for Excellence in Early Care and Education
ENGLEWOOD, Ohio March 9, 2009 In recognition of its excellent child care program and its ongoing commitment to children, The POINT YMCA Early Childhood Center at Stillwater UMC has received a Two-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 Ohios child care programs.
"We congratulate The POINT for its high-quality early care and education program that goes above and beyond Ohios licensing standards. By reaching for the stars, The POINT is helping our youngest children develop in a warm, nurturing environment that fosters growth and a love for learning," said Terrie Hare, Chief, Ohio Bureau of Child Care and Development.
Step Up To Quality is a voluntary rating system for early care and education programs. Participants 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.
Two-Star Step Up To Quality programs meet the following criteria:
· Have a ratio of one teacher for every five infants (ages birth-12 months), one teacher for every six infants (ages 12-18 months), one teacher for every seven toddlers (ages 18-36 months), one teacher for every ten preschoolers (ages 36-48 months), one teacher for every 10 preschoolers (ages 48-60 months) and one teacher for every 16 school-aged children (ages 5-15 years).
· Half of the lead teachers have an early childhood education certificate or degree, are familiar with Ohios Early Learning Content Standards and have specialized training in language and literacy.
· Teachers have ten 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.
"The POINT is honored and humbled to receive this award. Our focus has always been on the excellent care and education of our children. This Two-Star award lets families know that our commitment to providing faith-based, quality care for children is our mission," said Karen Beaty, The POINT YMCA Early Childhood Center administrator.
Achieving these benchmarks is crucial for the future of Ohios children. In Ohio, 65% of children under the age of six have both parents in the workforce. At the same time 90% of brain development occurs before the age of five.
Children enrolled in high quality early learning programs, particularly low income children, are more likely to stay in school, attend college, earn more money and be employed in high-skilled jobs than their peers.
Step Up To Quality is available statewide. Visit www.stepuptoquality.org for more information. For more information about The POINT YMCA Early Childhood Center at Stillwater UMC, contact us at 937-454-9405, x105.
The YMCA of Greater Daytons mission is to put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Originally established in Dayton in 1870, the YMCA now has 12 locations throughout the Miami Valley and serves over 70,000 kids and families. The YMCA of Greater Dayton builds strong kids, strong families and strong communities through its programs and services.
For more information about the YMCA of Greater Dayton, visit the website www.ymcaonline.org.