ASHLAND — Crestview Cougar Cubs Preschool has received a five-star Step Up To Quality award from the state of Ohio.
SUTQ is Ohio’s rating system for early learning and development programs.
Crestview Superintendent Jim Grubbs said in a press release Monday morning that he’s proud of the district’s preschool staff.
“In just one year, our exceptional preschool staff has collaboratively created an exceptional learning environment, earning the state’s highest 5-star rating,” he said.
“Their dedication, passion and relentless efforts have not only met, but surpassed expectations,” added the superintendent.
Grubbs said the district’s current preschool team, building upon the foundation laid by its predecessors, have “seamlessly elevated” the preschool experience, creating a “journey of continuous improvement.”
“I am immensely proud of our preschool team for their outstanding contributions and commitment to shaping a future filled with limitless possibilities for our young learners,” he said.
‘True heart to teach’
This accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of preschool teachers Allison Grau and Carissa Whitmer, along with classroom assistants Ellen Ramsay and Marsha Chronister, said the Crestview Local Schools press release.
A special thank-you was included for Toni Zehe, former preschool director, who throughout the 2022-2023 school year “supported the preschool team in working towards this goal.”
Becky Hartsel, current preschool director, said the five-star rating is a big accomplishment for the program and a testament to the dedication of its staff.
“It’s a big accomplishment for the teachers to be recognized for all the hard work and dedication that they put in day in and day out,” she said.
Hartsel added her staff has the “true heart to teach,” which has helped make this rating achievable.
“I can’t run the program and make it be what it is without the staff I have in place,” the director said. “Without a strong staff, the program would not be what it is.”
Step Up To Quality five-star efforts
Programs participating in the rating system can earn a one to five-star rating.
A five-star program:
— uses child assessment results to plan activities that best support learning and
development goals for each child.
— shares assessment results and creates goals for children.
— develops plans to support children as they transition to a new classroom or educational
setting.
— works with other organizations and businesses within the community to support
children and their families.
— uses input from families and community partners to inform the program’s continuous
improvement process.
— continues to participate in professional development opportunities.
— maintains standards that are monitored by the state of Ohio to ensure that the highest
level of care and learning is being provided for every child within the program.
Crestview Cougar Cubs Preschool is in session Monday through Thursday, which includes a morning and afternoon session.
The morning session runs from 7:45 to 11 a.m., followed by the afternoon session from 11:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
