The Ohio Department of Education and Ohio Department of Job and Family Services administers the Step Up to Quality (SUTQ) program, a five-star quality rating and improvement system.
SUTQ standards are based on national research identifying standards which lead to improved outcomes for children. It also recognizes and promotes learning and development programs that meet quality program standards that exceed licensing health and safety regulations.
All early childhood education programs funded by the Ohio Department of Education are required to participate, and each program must receive a 3, 4 or 5 star rating to maintain state funding.
Horizon Education Centers provides healthy snacks and lunches for our students through the Child Care Food Program (CACFP). The CACFP plays a critical role in supporting the wellness, health and development of children through the provision of nutritious foods.
Meals and snacks served through the CACFP program are based on dietary guidelines for Americans, which means students receive meals and snacks with a greater variety of vegetables and fruit, more whole grains and less added sugar and saturated fat.
Because Horizon participates in CACFP, we are required to serve meals and snacks with the same guidelines as the public school districts. We ask that if you are packing a lunch for your child, due to dietary restrictions, please make sure the packed lunch follows these guidelines:
2 oz proteins (meat, cheese, nut butter, hummus, etc.)
2 oz fruits
2 oz vegetables
6 oz dairy or dairy alternative
2 oz whole grain
*These are minimum amounts allowed
Please do not send snacks, such as chips, snack cakes, candy, cookies. Also, Horizon is a peanut free organization. If items containing peanut ingredients are sent in, they will be returned for your child to take home.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our CACFP Coordinator Lisa Nunn.
Throughout the year, Horizon students participate in field trips to locations like the Cleveland Botanical Gardens, the Natural History Museum, libraries and more.
During the summer months, we encourage summer reading with incentives, library and mobile library visits.
We also offer Yoga 4 Classrooms, which is an evidence-based yoga and mindfulness program for schools that promotes social, emotional and physical wellness, learning readiness and positive school climate.
