Ohio Healthy Programs

The Ohio Healthy Program was created in response to the growing concern surrounding childhood obesity. According to the 2019 Community Health Assessment, nearly 34% of 6th graders and 54% of 12th graders in Lorain County are overweight or obese. Lorain County Public Health trains and recognizes programs meeting Ohio Healthy Program standards.

Both early care and education programs have the opportunity to earn recognition as an Ohio Healthy Program. Designations are valid for two years and complement Step Up to Quality (SUTQ) Requirements. Contact the Child Care Resource Center with specific questions regarding SUTQ.

Ohio Healthy Programs designated centers

Ohio Healthy Programs designated providers share their experience.

Child Garden Grafton

“We provide organic options for the kids too. They love the organic milk and yogurt especially!”
-Amber Cadman, Director

Child Garden Oberlin

“We love to keep our kids healthy with different food options. Instead of peanut butter, we offer sunflower butter, and the kids just love it!” -Meryl Smith, Director

Head Start - Hopkins Locke

“The kids truly love the foods on the new menu. Both kids & parents are learning a lot about eating healthy on a budget.” -Sharon Henry & Alicia Risner

Horizon - East Lorain

“Parents have the flexibility to substitute in healthy food options from home to pack in lunches. This really helps with picky eaters!” -Glorivi Colon, Administrative Staff/Lead Teacher

Horizon - Elyria Dewhurst

“Instead of serving juice for breakfast, we now serve the children a variety of fresh fruits.”
-Jessica Casey, Food Service Specialist

Horizon - South Elyria/Wilkes Villa

“The kids tend to the garden here, and we introduce them to unique healthy food options like guava. We encourage them to try different things!” -Zulimar King, Business Coordinator

Horizon - Southside Lorain

“The kids really enjoy some of the healthy meal options. The lemon parsley chicken is a big hit!”
-Nicole Medina & Sonja Jackson

Kendal Early Learning Center

“Our students pack lunches from home so we provide information to parents on what healthy options to provide.” -Emily Williams, Lead Teacher

Neighborhood Alliance Elyria

“Along with our new menu changes, we educate teachers on creative ways to prepare snack by providing a list of healthy ideas.” -Isabelle Velez

Neighborhood Alliance Lorain

“Parents enjoy the healthier food options for their kids, & it really opens the door for kids to learn about gardening.” -Jennifer Keller, Administrator

Park Place

“Everything is going great! We loved the program so much that we renewed our designation. We removed pre-fried foods from the menu.” -Sharon Woolbright, Executive Director

Steps towards this designation include: 

• Attending Ohio Approved training for administrators, cooks, and teachers
• Implementing one new wellness policy every two years
• Improving menus
• Engaging families

Center Resources

• Child Action Toolkit
• Family Style Dining Guide
• Healthy Menu Template
• Healthy Eating Policy Samples
• Physical Activity Policy Samples

Upcoming Trainings

• In-Person Trainings:
  • Session 1: Healthy Habits, Parts 1-4. (10 hrs)
    • One teacher from each age group must attend.
  • Session 2: Healthy Menus (2.5 hrs)
    • The staff cook is to attend.
  • Session 3: Healthy Policy (2.5 hrs)
    • The administrator must attend.
• Online Trainings: Self-paced
  • Session 1: Healthy Habits, Parts 1-4. (5 hours) is self-paced.
    • One teacher from each age group must attend.
  • Session 2: Healthy Menus (1.5 hrs)
    • The staff cook is to attend.
  • Session 3: Healthy Policy (1.5 hrs)
    • The administrator must attend.
• Online Trainings: Webinars
  • Session 1: Healthy Habits, Parts 1-4. (10 hrs)
    • One teacher from each age group must attend.
  • Session 2: Healthy Menus (1.5 hrs)
    • The staff cook is to attend.
  • Session 3: Healthy Policy (1.5 hrs)
    • The administrator must attend.

There are many training options for teachers, cooks, and administrators. Visit OCCRRA to search for upcoming trainings. If you need assistance finding the next available training call us at 440-322-6367 and ask for Health Promotion.

Designated Programs

In Lorain County, the following programs have received and maintained their OHP designation as of July 31, 2022:

• TDR
• Faith House Daycare West
• Faith House Sheffield
• Horizon - Lorain Community Center
• Little Lighthouse Learning Center
• Oberlin Early Childhood Center
• Kids Academy of Sheffield Lake
• Lorain City Schools: Frank Jacinto, Garfield, Hawthorne, Helen Steiner Rice, Larkmoor, Palm and Stevan Dohanos
• Kendal Early Learning Center
• Horizon - South Elyria Wilkes Villa
• Horizon - Cascade
• Horizon - Southside Lorain
• Horizon - East Lorain
• Horizon - Elyria Dewhurst
• All About the Kids
• Neighborhood Alliance - Lorain
• Neighborhood Alliance - Elyria
• Head Start - Hopkins Locke
• Head Start - Griswold
• Head Start - Cascade
• Head Start - LaGrange
• Park Place Early Learning Center
• Dani’s Garden
• Child Garden Grafton
• Child Garden Oberlin
• Raquel’s Little Learners
• Sylvia Oliver
• Diane’s Day Care and Learning Center
• Rockin Round the Clock Family Child Care

If your child care center is interested in Ohio Healthy Programs, contact us at healthed@loraincountyhealth.com. LCPH is available to assist your center, providing technical assistance and training that fit your schedule.

If you are a family childcare provider (Type A or Type B) and you are interested in Ohio Healthy Programs, contact the Children's Hunger Alliance at OHPFCCP@childrenshungeralliance.org to get started.