Ohio Healthy Programs
Ohio Healthy Programs, funded by the Ohio Department of Health, recognizes early care and education and out-of-school time programs for implementing changes within their program to create a healthy environment for children to learn and grow.
Ohio Healthy Programs is being revised with changes taking effect July 1, 2026. Changes made are based on feedback from ECE and technical assistance providers including:
- Additional free trainings focused on healthy habits.
- Align menu requirements with CACFP.
- Additional healthy policy examples to implement within the program.
- Additional resources for the classroom and families.
- Streamlined application process.
- Opportunity to take a deep dive into a preferred health topic area.
Click here to see a list of OHP Designated Programs! current_designated_programs_report PDF / 6 pages
Contact Healthyprograms@occrra.org for information!
Ohio Healthy Programs (OHP) FAQs
Effective 7/1/2026, the new Ohio Healthy Program recognition requirements include:
- All lead teachers and the program administrator must complete the Ohio Healthy Program Ohio Approved training.
- This is a brand new training. Previously completed trainings will not count towards the new OHP application.
- Adopt and implement at least one new OHP-related healthy policy.
- Implement at least one new OHP-related family engagement activity
All lead teachers and the program administrator must complete the Ohio Healthy Program Ohio Approved training.
This new training is available July 2026. Previously completed OHP trainings will not count towards the new OHP Recognition nor appear on the OHP application.
Staff will not appear in the Staff Training section for three reasons. Please check these items before contacting OCCRRA, as you may be able to resolve this yourself which will save you time.
1) Staff do not have their lead teacher or administrator role listed in their Ohio Professional Registry (OPR) Employment tab.
2) Teachers must have all age groups they care in that role in their Employment tab.
3) Staff did not complete the training. Staff need to check their Professional Development tab and to see if the new Ohio Healthy Program training (available July 2026) has been marked verified.
Contact support@occrra.org with your name, OPIN, and name of the training.
Access the application in your Organization Dashboard and open the Applications tab. Click on the “Notes” in the Status column. Also, click on “Edit” and then “Communication Log” for additional details, if applicable. If you have a question or want to leave a message concerning a comment in the Communication Log for the Application Review team, click “+Add Message.” Click “Resubmit Application” after edits are made. You can contact healthyprograms@occrra.org if you need additional information.
Contact Healthyprograms@occrra.org
Designation and Program Resources
- Child Care Action Kit – Ohio Healthy Programs PDF / 44 Pages
- How to access OHP application PDF / 1 Page
Here are 47 two-page quick lessons for preschool and schoolage children. Print the posters below on 8 1/2 x 11″ or bigger paper to go with the lessons if you’d like.
Bite-Sized Lessons: Eating to Grow Learn and Play
Food and Nutrition Posters to Print
Posters-Fruits and Vegetables
Posters-Grains
Posters-Proteins
Posters-Dairy
Posters-Human Body
