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About Our Preschool Programs

                        WESTERN BUCKEYE ESC PRESCHOOLS                  

THOMAS EDISON

WAYNE TRACE: GROVER HILL & PAYNE

                             

  1. ps star

 

Step Up To Quality (SUTQ)

Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) is Ohio’s five-star quality rating and improvement system administered by the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. SUTQ recognizes and promotes early learning and development programs that exceed basic licensing, health, and safety standards. It evaluates how well programs are preparing children for kindergarten and lifelong learning success.

Programs must achieve at least a three-star rating to be considered high quality, with four- and five-star ratings awarded to those demonstrating exceptional performance.

We’re proud to share that the Western Buckeye Educational Service Center has earned five-star ratings at all three of our preschool locations:

  • Grover Hill

  • Payne

  • Thomas Edison

What a Five-Star Rating Means

A five-star SUTQ rating reflects a deep commitment to excellence in early childhood education. At our preschools, this means:

  • Highly Qualified Educators: All lead and assistant teachers are licensed and certified by the Ohio Department of Education, and regularly participate in specialized professional development.

  • Standards-Based Instruction: Our programs align with Ohio’s Birth-5 Kindergarten Entry Early Learning and Development Standards, ensuring consistent, high-quality learning experiences.

  • Comprehensive Planning: Written instructional plans guide meaningful activities throughout the entire school day.

  • Ongoing Child Assessments: Regular evaluations help us monitor student progress and tailor instruction to support each child’s development.

  • Balanced Learning: Each day includes a mix of child-directed and adult-directed activities, fostering both independence and guided exploration.

  • Family and Community Engagement: We value strong partnerships with families and the community, incorporating their input into our educational approach.

  • Whole Child Development: Our classrooms promote social, emotional, physical, and critical thinking skills—helping children gain the confidence and ability they need for success in school and beyond.

Western Buckeye ESC is committed to providing high-quality preschool education that prepares children for a bright future—one step at a time.