Blanchard Valley Preschool received a five star rating—the highest possible—from the Step Up to Quality Award program administered by the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
“We were certainly excited and proud to receive the five-star rating,” said Linda Schurch, director of educational services with the Hancock County Board of Developmental Disabilities. “It’s tangible evidence of a collaborative effort among teachers, families, support staff, therapists, community-educational stakeholders and administrators.”
All early childhood education and preschool special education programs that receive funding from the Ohio Department of Education must participate in the Step Up to Quality program and receive a three-, four- or five-star rating. The program includes on-site monitoring, and evaluators look at everything from student records to staff professional development plans.
Exceeding requirements
“A five-star rating indicates a high level of quality and a program that exceeds requirements in areas such as community engagement, continuous improvement and parental involvement,” says Schurch.
Currently, Blanchard Valley Preschool enrolls 40 children who attend either a morning or afternoon session, Monday through Thursday. The preschool serves children both with and without educational disabilities. According to Schurch, the preschool offers creative and engaging approaches to learning through exploration and play. “We get to know each student and we grow students through their interests,” says Schurch. “Every child in our program loves to be here and wants to be here.”
To learn more about Blanchard Valley Preschool,
call 419-422-6387 or visit blanchardvalley.org.