Step Up To Quality is a five–star quality rating and improvement system administered by the Department of Children and Youth (DCY). SUTQ recognizes and promotes learning and development programs that meet quality program standards that exceed preschool licensing and school age child care licensing health and safety regulations. Step Up To Quality program standards are based on national research identifying standards which lead to improved outcomes for children.
All Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Preschool Special Education (PSE) programs funded by the Department of Children and Youth (DCY) are mandated to participate in Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) and are required to achieve a rating of 3, 4, or 5 to maintain state funding, as well as administer and report on the Early Learning Assessment for all ECE and PSE funded children. All Department of Children and Youth (DCY) licensed programs may participate in Step Up To Quality.