The Miami University Child Development Center, which opened in 2002, is the first childcare center in Butler County to ever earn a star rating in Ohio's Step Up to Quality program.
The center received a two-star rating, with quality that goes above and beyond Ohio's childcare licensing standards.
The judging was a two-day process, which took place at the end of January, when the state evaluated the center based on the needed requirements.
The Step up to Quality program is a voluntary three-star quality rating system directed by Ohio's Department of Job and Family Services. It acknowledges early care and education programs that successfully meet or go beyond the health and safety licensing standards.
The criteria includes a low staff-to-child ratio and 50 percent of staff members are required to have a degree or credentials in early childhood education, as well as 10 hours of specialized training. It is essential that the administrative supports at least two employee benefits and use Ohio's Infant Toddler Guidelines and/or Early Learning Content Standards during the daily planning process, which are developed by the state.
A ceremony was held Monday, March 24, at the Child Development Center, located on 401 Western College Dr. There were a number of people who attended, including members of 4C for children, the region's principal child-care coordinating agency, along with parents and the faculty to celebrate the success of the center.
Chandra Ackley, the education coordinator at the Child Development Center, was enthusiastic about the program and their accomplishments.
"The party went great," Ackley said. "All the children gathered together and sang songs. The parents were very happy for us and it was an opportunity for us to answer any questions that they had regarding Step Up to Quality."
Ackley is in charge of the staff, ensuring that their daily plans are appropriate and that the students are being properly cared for. Ackley mentioned that they were going to make changes and strive to acquire three stars next year instead of just two.
"During the application process this year, we only applied for two stars," Ackley said. "We will try for three stars next year, but there needs to be more training opportunities for the staff members."
Ackley said the criteria for three stars are similar to those for two stars, however, the state requires that staff go through even more specialized training.
Not only are the staff members pleased with the Miami Child Development Center and their accomplishments, but parents are satisfied as well. Kelly Schoenly, Miami's women softball coach, has a four-year-old daughter, Danielle, who regularly attends the center. Schoenly has only had positive experiences with the center.
"I am very pleased," Schoenly said. "There are dedicated teachers who are unbelievably patient with the kids. The location is very convenient, clean, and everything is top notch."
Children are typically from the surrounding area, and the majority of students are affiliated with the university. According to Ackley, staff members typically register their children to attend the school while they are busy at work at Miami. Students in the Oxford area are also typically enrolled in the program.
