Research has shown the positive impact adults can have on children’s growth and development when they continue to participate in their own learning about early childhood development. Action for Children sponsors a variety of classes to serve the needs of center directors and staff, home providers caring for children from birth to 6 years of age and specialists working in out-of-school time programs.
On this page, you will find information about classes and programs available for all early childhood professionals in central Ohio, as well as links to professional development activities available by county and for those working with school age children. If you do not see the topics you need, please contact Action for Children.
For professional development specifically related to School Age (click here)
For professional development by county, please follow these links:
Franklin County (click here)
Delaware County (click here)
Fairfield County (click here)
Licking County (click here)
Madison County (click here)
Pickaway County (click here)
Union County (click here)
Directors Institute This exciting and innovative professional development experience is open to 25 early childhood center directors. The Institute uses Curtis and Carter’s book “The Visionary Director” and combines the artistic talents of Steven Anderson and Phoenix Theatre with the leadership of Action for Children and the wisdom of center directors.
For more information, please call 614/224-0222.
Accreditation for Homes and Centers As part of the United Way of Central Ohio Start Smart Initiative, Action for Children is offering home providers and child care centers support to facilitate national accreditation.
Accreditation for home based providers is through The National Association for Family Child Care Foundation (NAFCCF). Accreditation for centers is through The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Action for Children provides support in several ways, including technical support through group meetings and on site individual coaching.
For more information on how to begin your journey toward excellence, please call 614/224-0222.
Healthy Child Care Ohio
What is the Healthy Child Care Ohio Program?
• A bridge between the health care community and child care community
• A program that provides a child care health consultant (registered nurse) at no cost to work with child care providers and families
• A program that provides information at no cost on health and safety in the child care setting
Healthy Child Care Ohio is sponsored by the Ohio Department of Health through funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Child Care Bureau and Maternal and Child Health Bureau in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics
Who are the clients?
• Child Care Centers
• Home Child Care Providers
• Head Start Programs
What is a Child Care Health Consultant?
• A licensed registered nurse with experience in pediatrics and public health
• Answers questions about child health and safety issues, policies, and health programs
What can Child Care Health Consultants offer?
• Provide free on-site consultation and technical assistance on health and safety topics (i.e. licensing compliance, asthma, diabetes, etc.)
• Consultation by phone or on-site visits at no cost
• Explain health and safety rules and help develop policies at no cost
• Information about including children with special needs in child care
• Help children, families, staff link with community resources to meet health needs
Who is your local Child Care Health Consultant (CCHC) and Program liaison?
• Program liaison, Jana L. Lee-Harris, (614)224-0222 ext.137, Action for Children
• CCHC, Ellen Steward, RN, (614)722-4917 e-mail: stewarde@chi.osu.edu
Webcheck is Now Available! Action for Children is now able to help child care providers receive criminal background information quickly. With Webcheck, the new online fingerprinting system, you can get the results of background checks in a timely manner, instead of waiting for weeks.
For rapid fingerprinting, bring a valid Ohio picture ID along with $20 cash to Action for Children, 78 Jefferson Ave., Columbus, OH 43215 Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Results are processed and mailed within 5-7 business days.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) for Home Child Care Providers
Fact: It is easier to participate in the Food Program than it is to raise your rates.
Fact: If each parent said they would pay you $421.00 more per year to care for their child, would you accept their money? That’s the same effect financially as joining the Food Program.
Contact Information:
In Franklin, Licking, Pickaway, Fairfield, Delaware, Union, and Madison Counties 614/224-0222.
In Marion, Morrow, Richland, and Crawford Counties Mindy Sinclair at 800/92CHILD
Additional Resource Phone Numbers:
Action for Children FAX number 614/224-5437
American Red Cross 614/251-1444
Columbus Children’s Hospital 614/722-4939
Columbus Health Department 614/466-0273
Central Ohio Special Education Regional Resource Center (COSERRC) 614/262-4545
Columbus Association for the Education of Young Children (CAEYC) 614/470-2121
Franklin County Coalition of Child Care Providers (FCCCCP) Spokesperson: Roberta Bishop, rabssldc@aol.com 614/444-1529, ext. 13 Treasurer/Membership: Gretchen Moore, schilling@columbus.rr.com 614/539-1718
The Art of Positive Parenting (T.A.P.P.) 614/224-0222, ext. 103
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