Child care providers are uniquely positioned to help young children and families build habits that can have a lasting impact on their health. That’s why we are excited to announce the February 2024 re-launch of the WeTHRIVE!℠ Child Care Initiative!
Re-launching engagement with child care providers
WeTHRIVE!’s work included child care from about 2013 to 2018. The COVID pandemic interfered with an attempt to re-launch the initiative in 2021. With new grant funding, we’re now able to support a fresh re-launch that we hope will be a sustainable addition to WeTHRIVE! in Hamilton County.
The Child Care Initiative is led by Katherine Togher, a registered dietitian who joined the WeTHRIVE! team at Hamilton County Public Health in November 2023. Katherine has a passion for maternal and child health and nutrition and looks forward to working with child care providers in the areas of:
- Farm to early care education (ECE)
- Nutrition
- Outdoor play and physical activity
- Screen time
- Oral health
- Breastfeeding and infant feeding
“I’m a born and raised Cincinnatian and went to the University of Cincinnati for my Bachelor of Science in dietetics,” Katherine explains. “After graduation, I worked in a long-term care facility as a registered dietitian before transitioning to work for The Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children (WIC) in Hamilton County.”
After two years of working with women and their families, Katherine moved to pursue a master’s degree in public health at Boston University. Her graduate studies focused on maternal and child health and community assessment, program design, implementation, and evaluation.
“Now I’m back in Cincinnati, living in College Hill, and excited to be working with WeTHRIVE! to re-launch the child care initiative,” she says. “This initiative creates a focus on the youngest members of our society and the importance of their health, safety, and wellbeing. I can’t wait to connect with child care providers in Hamilton County to expand the reach of WeTHRIVE!”
Why child care?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says child care providers are on the front lines of public health, as they protect and nurture young children, teach healthy behaviors, and support parents.
Of the estimated 21.2 million children aged 0 to 5 years who are not yet in kindergarten, 59% are cared for in an early care and education (ECE) program outside of their home at least once a week. This makes child care providers key to building habits that will ensure a healthier future for young children and families.
And the obesity epidemic affects young children. According to the CDC, nearly 13% of children aged 2 to 5 years have obesity. Studies show that ECE policies and activities can directly affect what children eat and drink and how active they are.
What’s new to the initiative?
One new focus for the WeTHRIVE! Child Care Initiative is what’s called Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE). You may be familiar with Farm to Table or Farm to School programs – Farm to ECE reaches children at earlier ages.
“We want the youngest of our children to experience local, in-season produce and to understand how food is grown,” Katherine says. “Research has shown that being exposed to Farm to ECE at an early age increases your interest in eating a diverse array of food.”
Fruit and vegetable consumption among children ages 1 to 5 years is low. According to the CDC, half of these kids do not eat a daily vegetable and one-third do not eat a daily fruit. Farm to ECE programs can increase children’s consumption of fruits and vegetables by one daily serving.
Other benefits for child care providers
The WeTHRIVE! Child Care Initiative provides menu reviews by a registered dietitian (Katherine). This is a valuable service, as child care meals and snacks must meet certain nutrition requirements in order for providers to be reimbursed through the Child and Adult Care Food Program or be eligible for Ohio Healthy Programs.
As part of WeTHRIVE!, providers will have the opportunity to interact with WeTHRIVE! schools and communities, as well as our network of partner organizations. “I’m excited to connect child care providers in Hamilton County with the amazing resources and partnerships that we have at Hamilton County Public Health, such as connections within the Greater Cincinnati Food Policy Council and places like Tikkun Farm,” Katherine says.
Child care providers will also be able to participate in the WeTHRIVE! annual Recognition Event and have their successes shared through WeTHRIVE! social media, website stories, and local news.
Who is eligible?
WeTHRIVE! will be working with child care providers located in Hamilton County, but not those within the city of Cincinnati. To find out if a provider is eligible, contact Katherine Togher.
Providers must be licensed in the State of Ohio as one of the following:
- Child Care Center
- Family Child Care Type A Home
- Family Child Care Type B Home
- Ohio Department of Education (ODE) Licensed Early Care and Education program
Are you a child care provider who’s interested in joining WeTHRIVE!? Contact Katherine Togher to see if you’re eligible. You can also visit our Child Care page, complete this interest form, or download our flyer.