STEP UP TO QUALITY
Step Up to Quality (SUTQ) is a 5-Star quality-rating and improvement system administered by the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Cincinnati Preschool Promise embraces the SUTQ program, which ensures providers meet quality program standards that exceed licensing, health, and safety regulations.
Programs that earn at least a 3-Star distinction are considered high-quality. At Cincinnati Preschool Promise, we support preschools in their effort to achieve 3 stars or more so that all children have access to high-quality early learning.
Transitioning from a low or no-star rating to a 3-Star rating also allows preschools to offer the Tuition Assistance program, expanding access even more. Finally, a high-quality rating is a prerequisite for teachers to be eligible for the Teacher Promise Grant, described further below.
If you’re working to achieve a higher quality rating, our quality improvement coaching provides mentorship and advice through your improvement journey.
The numbers in the chart below represent those providers who were previously defined as unrated, 1- and 2-stars who have now achieved a high-quality rating.

SUPPORT YOUR TEACHERS AS YOU IMPROVE
The Staff Support Fund Pilot is intended to help preschool program owners and directors retain quality staff as they pursue a high quality rating. Preschool programs will have access to $3,000 per lead teaching position in their center or family child care program.
Funds May Be Used For:
Services for Providers
Coffee & Conversation
Enjoy a virtual cup of coffee and join an energetic group of Community Preschool Providers. This is a time to discuss emerging issues in early childhood education, network in a Provider-only space, and share best practices with members of the CPP network. From vaccination protocols to new tumbling techniques, no topic is off-limits in these sessions.
Provider Council
The Council convenes community preschool Providers who have a direct voice in influencing CPP decisions and priorities by lending their expertise to drive CPP’s mission. Representatives from family child care, single, and multi-site programs are members of the Council.
Ready Rosie
This Provider-requested digital early education tool helps schools and communities across the nation deepen and scale their family engagement efforts. Ready Rosie has been recognized by The National Center on Parent, Family, and Community Engagement as a research-based parenting curriculum with documented positive outcomes for both schools and families.