Learn why the Little Miami Learning Center was awarded the top rating for quality child care by the Ohio Department of Job and Family services and the Ohio Department of Education’s Step Up to Quality (SUTQ) rating program.

Group of child care staff with thumbs up

Staff at the Little Miami Learning Center celebrate the announcement of their five-star rating by the Ohio Department of Job and Family services and the Ohio Department of Education’s Step Up to Quality (SUTQ) rating program.

Countryside YMCA Child Care Center Awarded Top Rating for Quality Child Care

Maineville, OH – The Little Miami Learning Center in Maineville, Ohio has been awarded the top recognition of five stars by the Ohio Department of Job and Family services and the Ohio Department of Education’s Step Up to Quality (SUTQ) rating program. There are 65 Licensed Child Care Centers in Warren County and only 12 have a 5-Star rating. Step Up to Quality programs go beyond state licensing requirements to better serve the needs of young children and their families and to prepare them for success in kindergarten and beyond.

To earn this 5-star rating, staff at the Little Miami Learning Center had to maintain thirty hours of continuing education. The classroom leads all have a child development degree or a child development associate degree. The center follows a curriculum that aligns with the Ohio Department of Education to meet quality programming standards and promote learning and development. “We have the most amazing staff that enjoy coming to work and watching children learn and grow each day. There truly is a warmth when you walk into our building that the children and families can feel,” said Director Stephanie Sizemore.  

The Little Miami Learning Center is a safe, nurturing environment for children to learn and grow and is designed to meet the needs of families with children from infancy through fifth grade. According to Sizemore, one thing that sets TheLittle Miami Learning Center apart from other childcare centers is that “We have several staff that have been with us for over 14 years, making a great consistency for the program. That kind of long-term commitment is almost unheard of in childcare.”

Little Miami Learning Center offers a lot of options for today’s families. Infant and preschoolers can have all day care, and the Y runs a before and after school program as well as a summer camp program at this location in Maineville.

“Our vision is for all Countryside YMCA childcare programs to be the leaders in building children of character,” said Sizemore. Using "The Creative Curriculum™" the Y’s program encompasses the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith.

With 90 percent of brain development occurring before age 5, early child care and education is crucial to a child’s future success. Early learning builds the foundation for skills needed in school, work and life. Studies show that children who receive quality early child care and education are more likely to show improved reading and math skills, attend college and earn higher wages.

The Little Miami Learning Center currently has room for additional preschool and school age children, and offers financial aid. To learn more about Countryside YMCA child care centers, visit the website www.countrysideymca.org.

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About Countryside YMCA 

Countryside YMCA- one of the world’s largest YMCAs – is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the Warren County community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For almost 40 years, Countryside YMCA has embodied the Christian principles that help people achieve a balance of spirit, mind and body. All are welcome to experience the unmatched facilities, outreach, and varied programs available only at the Y. www.countrysideymca.org