The Ohio Department of Health (ODH), through its Bureau of Maternal, Child and Family Health (BMCFH), offers grant funding to support the Ohio Healthy Programs (OHP) Technical Assistance for Child Care Centers and Public Preschools. This initiative aims to enhance the capacity of early care and education (ECE) professionals to create environments that promote healthy eating and physical activity among young children.
The OHP is a voluntary designation program available to all ECE programs across Ohio, including center-based and family care settings. It provides training, technical assistance, and recognition to ECE professionals who implement best practices in nutrition and physical activity within their settings. The program's overarching goal is to prevent childhood obesity and reduce the risk of associated health problems by encouraging healthy habits from an early age.
To achieve designation as an Ohio Healthy Program, participating child care sites must complete several steps:
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Attend Ohio Approved professional development training sessions covering healthy habits, menus, and policies.
Complete the Ohio Physical Activity and Nutrition Assessment (OH-PANA) prior to the first training or technical assistance visit.
Align their menus with OHP requirements, which include offering a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and limiting fried foods and sugary beverages.
Adopt and implement a healthy policy within their program.
Engage families on topics related to health and wellness.
Designation is valid for two years, after which programs are encouraged to renew by ensuring all requirements continue to be met.
The ODH collaborates with organizations such as the Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association (OCCRRA) and Children's Hunger Alliance to implement the program. These partners provide technical assistance and support to ECE professionals throughout the designation process. For instance, Children's Hunger Alliance offers guidance on adopting healthy policies, menu planning, and family engagement strategies.
Funding for the OHP Technical Assistance grants is provided to support these collaborative efforts, ensuring that child care centers and public preschools have the resources and support needed to successfully implement and sustain health-promoting practices. The grant solicitation provides detailed guidance on the application process, eligibility criteria, and funding requirements.
