Contributed GOLD RATING — Celebrating the gold rating obtained by the School of Bright Promise preschool program are, from left, aides Seneca Smith and Sheryl Eckroth and preschool teacher Jenna Joyce.

STEUBENVILLE — The School of Bright Promise preschool program has gained a gold rating through the Step Up to Quality initiative.

Children’s Services Director Georgia Pavlic-Roseberry said the preschool earned the designation following a review from SUTQ officials and she was excited for the program.

“They changed the rating system from a one- to-five-star rating to a three-part system. So, it became a gold program. We’re proud of that,” Pavlic-Roseberry said. “It’s an opportunity to showcase our preschool program as it’s the one classroom in the building where we can serve typical preschoolers along with our students, which creates a pretty amazing dynamic.”

She said 11 students participate in the program, which operates weekdays for ages 3 to 5, and some more participants will be added. It is led by preschool teacher Jenna Joyce along with two aides/assistant teachers, Sheryl Eckroth and Seneca Neff Smith.

Step Up to Quality was previously under the Ohio Department of Education’s umbrella but is now part of the state Department of Children and Youth. State officials observed the preschool last year and completed an assessment, plus they viewed staff qualifications as part of their review. Pavlic-Roseberry added that the school also had to provide information for the process.

“We had to collect evidence to show we are providing the best service to the students to give them a great start to their education,” she said.