CHD: Directory of Services

Healthy Schools Program

About...

school bus The mission of the Healthy Schools Program is to protect schoolchildren and staff by identifying and eliminating health and safety hazards.

Program Services

Columbus Health Department sanitarians perform regular school inspections at least once each year, as required by state law. More inspections may be performed in response to public complaints. School buildings and the surrounding grounds (including playgrounds) are all inspected for hazards that could pose a threat to public health.

Who Is The Program For?

Inspections are performed for all public and nonpublic (private) schools in the City of Columbus. Columbus Public Health also performs inspections under contract for all public and nonpublic (private) schools in the City of Worthington.

How To Use The Program

Regular school inspections are conducted at least once each year. Additional inspections may also be scheduled in response to public concerns or complaints. To inquire about school facilities, or to make a facility complaint, individuals can contact the Columbus Health Department at 645-7005.

Location

Columbus Health Department

Hours

School inspections are conducted from January through June, and from August through December, during regular department business hours.

Resources and Links

Community (Charter) Schools

To learn more about community schools, see http://www.ode.state.oh.us/community_schools/faqs/dev_questions/.

For a directory of Ohio's Community Schools, please go to http://www.ode.state.oh.us/community_schools/Directory_of_Schools/.

If you are planning a community school to be located in either Columbus or Worthington, please call Columbus Public Health and let us know - we would be happy to consult with you in advance!

Child Care Programs

Ohio Department of Education (ODE) Centers - In Ohio, the Department of Education licenses child care programs operated by public and private chartered schools (also known as school age centers). See Ohio Revised Code §3301.58 Licensing of preschool programs and school child programs at: http://onlinedocs.andersonpublishing.com/oh/lpExt.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm&cp=PORC.

Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services also licenses child care providers. For more information about other pre-schools / daycares / child care, see website at: http://jfs.ohio.gov/cdc/families.stm

School Web Pages

Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Columbus

Columbus Public Schools

Franklin County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (FCBMRDD)

South-Western City Schools

Tree of Life Christian Schools

Worthington Public Schools

Indoor Air Quality Links

ODH's Indoor Environment Program (Information on Indoor Air Quality)

Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools

Diesel Emissions / School Bus / Traffic Safety Links

Clean School Bus USA (Website). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,