Hopewell School recognized as a quality learning and development program
Hopewell School received a Five-Star Step Up To Quality Award from the state of Ohio. Pictured with Shannon Shontz, director of education, are Amanda Hittle, preschool teacher; Laura Emig, preschool teacher; Tina Parmiter, instructors assistant; Ben McCormick, preschool teacher; Tara Kehl, instructors assistant; and Nikki Crabtree, preschool teacher. Josie Sellers | Beacon
COSHOCTON – In recognition of a commitment to quality and an ongoing dedication to the learning and development of children, Hopewell School has received a Five-Star Step Up To Quality Award from the state of Ohio.
“We are so excited,” said Shannon Shontz, director of education at Hopewell. “It took many hours and a lot of hard work to get this, but it all paid off.”
Step Up To Quality is Ohio’s rating system for learning and development programs. Participating programs can earn a one to five star rating.
“This is our first time being rated so it’s huge for us to go from not being rated at all to being the best,” Shontz said.
In addition to meeting all standards of a four-star rating, programs with five stars may also:
- Have lower staff/child ratios.
- Use child assessment results to plan activities that best support learning and development goals for each child.
- Share assessment results and create goals for children.
- Develop plans to support children as they transition to a new classroom or educational setting.
- Work with other organizations or businesses within the community to support children and their families.
- Have an active and organized parent volunteer group.
- Use input from families and community partners’ inform the program’s continuous improvement process.
- Have accreditation by an approved organization.
“We have a phenomenal program and a staff that is highly educated,” Shontz said. “We attended many, many program trainings for this and a lot of extra time and effort was put in by the staff.”
Research confirms that the first five years of a child’s life has a direct impact on how children develop emotional well-being, in addition to learning and social skills. For these reasons, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the Ohio Department of Education are committed to improving early childhood opportunities for all children in the state. To learn more, visit www.earlychildhoodohio.org.
Category: Education
