YWCA Dayton Wins State Award for Excellence in Early Child Care and Education

Oct. 1, 2009 - PRLog -- The YWCA Dayton Child Care has received a Two-Star Step Up To Quality Award from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services - Bureau of Child Care and Development, the state agency responsible for licensing and promoting high standards among Ohio's child care programs. The award is in recognition of the YWCA's excellent child care program and its ongoing commitment to quality care.  

"We congratulate YWCA Dayton for its high-quality early care and education program that goes above and beyond Ohio's licensing standards. By reaching for the stars, YWCA Dayton is helping our youngest children develop in a warm, nurturing environment that fosters growth and a love for learning," said Terrie Hare, Chief, Ohio Bureau of Child Care and Development.  

Step Up To Quality is a voluntary rating system for early care and education programs. Participants can earn a one, two or three-star rating by meeting an extensive list of quality benchmarks. Experts say these benchmarks improve the growth and development potential of children. The rating system also gives parents a useful tool for selecting quality early childhood programs.  

"YWCA Dayton Child Care is honored to receive this award. Our focus has always been on the excellent care and education of our children. This Two-Star award lets families know that our commitment to children is more than a passing thought," said Michelle Riley, Director of Programs.

Achieving these benchmarks is crucial for the future of Ohio's children, as more parents join the workforce and more children are cared for outside of the home. In Ohio, 65% of children under the age of six have both parents in the workforce. At the same time 90% of brain development occurs before the age of five.

The YWCA Dayton has a 139-year legacy of service to women and children who have turned to it in their darkest hours seeking comfort and the opportunity to rebuild their broken lives. Every day, its team addresses the most crucial needs in our community, including: domestic violence; homelessness; teen issues; childcare; affordable housing; racial justice; and self sufficiency and personal development for women.

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Formed in 1870, the YWCA Dayton has been meeting the ever-changing needs of women and girls in the Miami Valley. The YWCA has been at the forefront of causes that enable it to work towards its mission of "eliminating racism, empowering women."