MANSFIELD — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has approritated $51,244 to Catalyst Life Services in an effort to support its Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) services.
Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) is an improvement system administered by the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
SUTQ recognizes and promotes learning and development programs that meet quality program standards exceeding licensing health and safety regulations, the office said. The program is based on national research identifying standards which lead to improved outcomes for children.
“We are very excited and pleased to have the opportunity to expand our early-child mental health work,” said Debra Panke, of Catalyst.
The money will be used to expand on the company’s work with preschool students, while remaining in the classroom. Panke said with this allocation of funds, Catalyst can help nearly 200 preschool students in Richland County access consultation services.
She added the money will help infants and toddlers by working with pediatricians who can asses and develop resiliency skills and address concerns such as social issues and problematic behaviors.
“Ohio’s commitment to increase access to high quality early learning settings remains central to the state’s plan for children’s success,” said Lori Criss, director for Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. “Governor DeWine’s support, through his Office of Children’s Initiatives, demonstrates his ongoing dedication to ensuring that Ohio’s children achieve optimal mental wellness.”
Panke said her department has already seen a significant decrease in issues and misbehavior in the classroom.
Other recipients in Ohio are listed below:
| Provider | County | Category | Amount |
| Alta Care | Mahoning | SUTQ Expansion | $155,244 |
| Applewood | Cuyahoga | SUTQ Expansion | $70,624 |
| Catalyst Life Services | Richland | SUTQ Expansion | $51,244 |
| Catholic Charities SWO | Butler | Early Intervention | $39,525 |
| Child Focus | Hamilton | Early Intervention | $59,000 |
| Children’s Resource Center | Wood | Early Intervention | $72,806 |
| Greene ESC | Greene | Pediatric Expansion | $168,500 |
| Harbor Behavioral Health | Lucas | SUTQ Expansion | $83,532 |
| Hopewell Behavioral Health | Athens | Early Intervention | $60,000 |
| Mercy Health St. Vincent’s | Lucas | Pediatric Expansion | $100,896 |
| Nationwide Children’s Hospital | Franklin | Pediatric Expansion | $69,325 |
| Ohio Guidestone | Cuyahoga | Early Intervention | $60,000 |
“This funding supports Ohio’s ability to intervene early with some of our youngest children, when we can have the greatest impact,” said Jeff Davis, of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. “In addition, the Governor’s investment in these services has fostered coordination between the two state agencies.”
