About the CCQS Rating System:
Child care programs participating in CCQS may earn a certified quality rating by implementing practices related to positive outcomes for children verified under the direction of our office (Office of Child Care – OCC). This process includes verification of the caregivers’ and directors’ education and professional development, the program’s family engagement efforts and other evidence-based best practices.
High Quality programs create an environment that not only focuses on the health and safety of the children in the program but also incorporates practices shown to support good outcomes for children, including positive interactions and trusting relationships between educators and children, and ongoing professional development and coaching of staff.
Stepping Stones Child Care Center is thrilled to announce that, after two years of dedicated effort from our incredible staff and administration, we have received a high quality rating from the Utah Office of Child Care through their Child Care Quality System Rating initiative. One major accomplishment is that over 25% of our staff received their CDA this past year and or are enrolled in college programs in the field of Early Childhood and Elementary Education and some staff have received higher education degrees.
This certification reflects our commitment to creating positive outcomes for children through verified best practices, including the education and professional development of our caregivers and directors, robust family engagement, and a focus on health and safety. Our high quality program emphasizes nurturing interactions and trusting relationships between educators and children, along with ongoing staff coaching and development.
Over the next 12 months, we will receive over $120,000 in funding that will go directly back into our center to enhance our program. This investment will directly support our staff’s professional growth, higher education, and the acquisition of high-quality materials for our classrooms and outdoor play areas. We’re excited to work towards becoming Nature Explorer Certified and expanding our outdoor learning environment.
We are also proud to announce that each of our classrooms has achieved a high quality rating, which further supports additional funding for individual classroom enhancements. This recognition will help families in their search for child care, showcasing Stepping Stones as a trusted, high-quality option.
A special thank you goes to our former Director, Kamie Blake, whose tireless efforts in her final weeks ensured that our program was well-prepared for this significant achievement. Her dedication, along with that of our entire staff, has set a strong foundation for our future success.
Thank you to our amazing staff who participated in the classroom observation ratings and for everyone going above and beyond in their professional development which leads to better outcomes and teaching practices.
Our current admin team and teaching team is committed to building on this momentum as we strive for continued excellence and aim for a high quality plus rating and will work towards accreditation with the National Association for the Education of Young Children in the coming
year.