Council on Rural Services announced that both the Kids Learning Place locations in Urbana earned the “FIVE Star Rating” in the Step Up to Quality program from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

Step Up to Quality is a voluntary five-step child care rating system that early care and education centers can earn in Ohio. It recognizes programs that exceed licensing standards. Once they meet the basic requirements, participating centers earn star ratings from 1 to 5 by meeting additional measures.

Roni Burton, early childhood services coordinator for Champaign County at Council on Rural Services said, “Learning begins as soon as a child is born, long before formal education begins, and continues throughout life. We are very proud of the excellent high-achieving team that made this top award happen. The team members are resourceful, focused and determined in meeting a common goal in their work with the children.

Applications for the fall are being taken now. For information about the centers or the home base option for Head Start ages birth through 5 years, call, toll free, 866-627-4557. For more information about Kids Learning Place and Council on Rural Services, visit www.councilonruralservices.org or the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/KidsLearningPlace/