Step Up To Quality
What our Step Up To Quality Gold rating means
LSU is rated Gold in Step Up To Quality, Ohio's child care quality rating system. Gold is the highest of the three ratings, which means LSU goes beyond the state's licensing minimums on teacher education, lesson planning, child assessment and working with families.
Last reviewed October 14, 2026
Ohio's three ratings
| Rating | What it signals |
|---|---|
| Bronze | Meets the first level of quality standards above licensing |
| Silver | Highly rated |
| Gold | Highly rated; the top level of Ohio's system |
What Gold looks like in your child's classroom
- Trained teachers. A director with an associate degree or equivalent, and at least half of lead teachers with the same.
- Ongoing learning. At least 15 hours of training a year for directors and 10 for teachers.
- Lower ratios. More teacher time for each child.
- Planned lessons. Activities built around each child's needs, interests and stage.
- Tracked progress. Regular assessments shared with you.
- Families as partners. The program works with families and local organizations.
Source: Ohio Department of Children and Youth, Gold Rating Fact Sheet.
We are filming this video now. Until it is ready, the best way to see inside is an in-person tour: book one here.
Read the transcript
The transcript will be published here with the video, so parents who prefer to read get every word.
Step Up To Quality questions
What is Step Up To Quality?
Step Up To Quality is Ohio's quality rating system for child care and early learning programs, run by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth. Programs that choose to be rated are measured against standards that go beyond the state's licensing rules.
What are the Step Up To Quality ratings?
Since July 2024, Ohio rates programs Bronze, Silver or Gold. Gold is the highest rating, and Silver and Gold programs are considered highly rated. Under the old five-star system, four- and five-star programs became Gold.
What does a Gold rating require?
Gold programs have a director with an associate degree or equivalent training, at least half of lead teachers with an associate degree or equivalent, and yearly training of 15 hours for directors and 10 for teachers. They also have lower ratios, plan lessons around each child, assess progress regularly and work closely with families. Read Ohio's Gold rating fact sheet.
How can I check LSU's rating?
LSU's rating appears on our listing on Ohio's child care search site. Search for Lil' Sneakers University or Provider Number 300656.
