The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) has once again recognized the Cuyahoga Heights School District’s preschool program with its highest honor.The district officially received word that it has renewed its Five-Star Step Up to Quality Award on November 23. The rating is good for three years.
“Step Up to Quality is a rating system administered to all preschool programs in Ohio that receive state funding,” noted Deborah Petrunia, Pre-K General Education Teacher/Pre-K Liaison, who spearheaded the district’s latest review. “The program recognizes and promotes quality early childhood education programs that meet or exceed the guidelines set by the ODE and the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS).
“Receiving a five-star rating indicates that our program has exceeded the expectations established by the ODE and ODJFS,” added Petrunia. “In addition to meeting the standards of a four-star rating, five-star programs may also feature lower staff/child ratios; use child assessment results to plan activities that best support learning and development goals for each child; develop plans to help children move to a new classroom or educational setting; work with community organizations or businesses to support children and their families; have a parent volunteer group; use input from families and community partners; and have accreditation by an approved organization.”
According to Petrunia, reviewers focus on four areas. These areas are based on national research which identifies them as leading factors for improving a child’s educational success. These factors include the following:
Learning and Development
This area looks at how curriculum and assessments are aligned with state standards and how lesson plans address these standards through developmentally appropriate activities. The preschool program must also have in place a Continuous Improvement Plan and provide screening and assessments for children.
Staff Qualifications and Professional Development
This area looks at the education levels of staff (more points are awarded for higher education levels) and ongoing professional development. Every staff member must create a Professional Development Plan, which includes input from the Continuous Improvement Plan, family and community partnerships, and two observations which are required each year.
Family and Community Partnerships
This area looks at how the program transitions students into and out of the program, how staff communicates with families regarding their child's progress, and evidence of community partnerships that enhance the program.
Administrative and Leadership Practces
Reviewers look at salaries, staff support systems, and policies and procedures for running a quality program, as well as how input from family and community partners is used to drive educational decisions.
The review includes an unannounced site visit conducted through the ODE. “They look through all of the documentation, observe the program, interview staff members, and formulate a report that is submitted to ODE for approval,” said Petrunia. “The five-star rating not only affirms that we offer the highest-quality preschool program, but also acknowledges the high quality of our preschool’s teachers and staff,” said Superintendent Tom Evans. “It means that everyone is committed to the growth and success of our youngest students and that our program is meeting its goals.”
Petrunia agreed with Evans’ assessment. “Everyone in the preschool program and the building administration contributed to our getting the five-star rating,” she acknowledged. “It is a laborious process involving a lot of forms and other documentation. We are fortunate to have an administration which understands the scope of this endeavor and provides the time and resources needed.”
Note:
After 30 years as a preschool teacher, Deborah Petrunia retired on November 30. Guiding the district preschool to renew its five-star rating was one of her last assignments. The Board and Administration wish her well in her retirement.