Step Up to Quality in Nebraska
Understanding Nebraska's childcare quality rating system — and what it means for your family.
← Back to all resourcesWhat is Step Up to Quality?
Step Up to Quality (SUQC) is Nebraska's voluntary quality rating and improvement system for early childhood programs. It's designed to go beyond basic state licensing and help parents identify which centers are investing in higher standards — for curriculum, teacher qualifications, family engagement, and learning environments.
Participation is voluntary, which means not every licensed center pursues a rating. Centers that do are demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement. The higher the step, the more rigorous the standards met.
Learn more about what makes quality daycare in Nebraska look like in practice.
Step 1 — Licensed
Meets Nebraska's basic childcare licensing requirements.
Step 2 — Foundation
Demonstrates foundational quality practices beyond licensing.
Step 3 — Developing Quality
Shows developing quality in environment, curriculum, and family engagement.
Step 4 — Established QualitySmiling Faces Academy
Demonstrates established quality practices, strong curriculum, staff training, and parent communication.
Step 5 — Excelling
The highest rating — excellence in all areas of childcare quality.
Smiling Faces Academy is a Step 4 center — and growing.
We're actively working toward Step 5. Our families benefit from higher-quality curriculum, stronger family communication, and a team committed to excellence.