Alta Head Start Locations Earn Ohio’s 5-Star Step Up to Quality Awards

AUSTINTOWN, OHIO — Since assuming the administration of the Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Mahoning County in August 2015, Alta Care Group has worked diligently to bring each program up to the highest standards.

Now, Alta Head Start announces that seven of its ten Head Start/Early Head Start locations have received the coveted 5-Star Step Up to Quality (SUTQ) Award from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

“We’re very honored to see that the hard work our employees have put in to making our Head Start programs the best they can be has been recognized with these 5-Star ratings,” said Joe Shorokey, Executive Director of Alta Care Group.

The purpose of the Step Up to Quality Program is to recognize and promote learning and development programs that meet quality program standards that exceed licensing health and safety regulations. These program standards are based on national research identifying standards which lead to improved outcomes for children.

Facilities undergo extensive inspection, including interviewing of personnel, before awards are given. Ratings range from 1 star to the 5-Star rating, the highest that can be achieved.

“We know that the experiences pre-school children have in the classroom can impact them for a lifetime,” said Judy Miller, director of Alta Head Start. “Parents can send their children to our Head Start locations with confidence, knowing that they will receive a solid foundation to move forward in their lives through programs that have met the highest standards..”

Alta Head Start/ Early Head Start offers quality educational programs in a nurturing, secure and developmental appropriate setting for children birth to five. Qualified, credentialed teachers who are trained in best practice academic and social- emotional standards, as well as other trained support staff, provide children a preschool experience focused on school readiness skill development.

Services offered by Alta Head Start/Early Head Start include Education, Health, Nutrition, Disabilities, Mental Health, Social Services/Family Development and Parent Involvement.

Six Head Start centers are located in Youngstown, with additional locations in Austintown, Boardman, Campbell and Sebring. Four additional Partnership Locations are found in Youngstown, including in the Youngstown City Schools.

Click here to view all Alta Head Start locations.