What is Neighborhood Child Care, Inc.?
    We are a nonprofit, social service organization specializing in home based child care. We help home day care providers become alternately approved by the Ohio Department of Education or Certified by the Cuyahoga County Department of Human Services to receive the Ohio Child Care Food Program reimbursement from the USDA. We are also early childhood and day care consultants.

What is the Ohio Child Care Food Program?
    It is part of the National School Lunch Act and reimburses providers for approximately 75% of food costs. This makes it possible for the provider to buy more nutritious foods. For example fresh fruits and vegetables. It also provides training to providers in good nutrition. The program also promotes nutritional education on the preschool level and encourages your child to eat wholesome nutritious meals for stronger bodies, better learning ability and for more alert minds.

What can Neighborhood Child Care, Inc. do for Parents?
    We help parents connect with child care providers. We also have many workshops at which parents may learn about nutrition, health & safety and many other related topics. Nutrition workshops are always free. 

What makes providers participating in the Ohio Child Care Food Program different from those who don't? 
    Providers that participate  in the Ohio Child Care Food Program are alternately approved through the Ohio Department of Education. This means that they have opened their homes to be inspected by the local fire and health departments. Or they have been certified by their county Department of Human Services.
    All of the providers open their homes to at least three visits each year by our agency to monitor the meals they are serving your children. At least two of those visits are unannounced.
    Providers are also required to participate in ongoing nutrition training. Our initial training includes nutrition, health & safety, and how to operate a home day care business professionally.

What if my child doesn't like all the foods?
    Your child will not be forced to eat anything but will encouraged to taste everything. This way your child may develop new tastes and learn to make good food choices.

What if the portion sizes are too large or too small for my child?
    Your child may eat enough to satisfy hunger and be sustained until the next meal or snack. your child will not be forced to eat, but will be given additional foods if still hungry. Providers are instructed in portion sizes and appropriate feeding practices.

What kind of foods will be served?
    Listed below are required components:

Breakfast

• Fluid Milk
• Fruit, Vegetable or 100% Juice
• Cereal, Bread or an equivalent

Lunch or Dinner

• Fluid Milk
• Meat or Meat
• Two items from Fruit/Vegetable group
• Bread or an equivalent

Snacks - Morning, Afternoon or Evening
    Two items from the following four groups:

• 2% Fluid Milk
• Fruit, vegetable or 100% Juice
• Meat or Meat
• Bread or an Equivalent

Portion sizes vary with age. Some foods may be combined. For example salads or pizza.

What do I need to do to take advantage of this program?
    When you contact for child care with a provider participating in the Ohio Child Care Food Program, she will ask you to complete a child enrolment form.

How can I receive a referral listing of providers in my area?
    You can request a referral listing here on the internet. Or you can call us at 216-252-0094.

Is there anywhere else to get child care referrals?
    If none of the providers on the referral list work out for you, try the Starting Point for Child Care and Early Education. This is a county wide resource and referral for child care. Their telephone number is 216-575-0061