The State of Ohio has awarded the Black River Preschool Program a 5-star Rating for meeting the quality standard established by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the Ohio Department of Education.

Step Up To Quality is a Five-Star Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System created to recognize and promote early learning and development programs that meet quality standards over and above health and safety licensing requirements.

Step Up to Quality ratings range from one to five stars.

A five-star rating assures parents that teachers at a preschool meet criteria such as; attending at least 30 hours of specialized training every two years, providing developmentally appropriate lessons that align with Early Learning and Developmental Standards and curriculums, assessing children and collecting data to drive instruction and decisions and collaboratively working with families and community.

“I am very proud of the preschool teachers and the hard work they do every day in preparing our students for kindergarten.

Through our program our students learn how to work with and play with others, learn academic skills to be prepared for kindergarten and learn the routine of a typical school day. Thank you to the teachers and the families for working together to make our children well rounded and ready for kindergarten,” said Angelique Kuba, Director of special education and preschool.

With enrollment of 70 children in public and integrated (typical and special needs) classes, a few openings still exist. Students can enroll in one of the preschool classrooms once they turn 3 years old. If you would like to enroll your child, contact Black River Elementary School at 419-736-2161. Preschool enrollment for the 2017/2018 school year will begin in the spring of 2017.