Pediatric Readiness Facility Recognition Program
The Ohio EMSC Pediatric Readiness Facility Recognition Program honors emergency departments (EDs) for meeting specific pediatric care standards. This program encourages improvements in care, enhances coordination, and ensures children receive appropriate treatment from well-prepared facilities.
Analysis of 2021 pediatric readiness national assessment results shows that EDs that participate in recognition programs had a 24-point higher median score, on average, than EDs that did not. High pediatric readiness scores are associated with improved outcomes (Learn more about pediatric readiness here).
Interested in Pediatric Readiness Facility Recognition?
The Ohio EMSC Pediatric Readiness Facility Recognition Program is actively accepting applications for facility recognition.
Ohio EMSC offers an optional form for facilities considering or preparing to apply for Pediatric Readiness Facility Recognition.
Information shared through this secured form allows the Ohio EMSC team to prepare tailored support prior to contacting you, including clarification of program expectations and application readiness resources.
Form Link: Ohio EMSC Pediatric Readiness Facility Recognition Program - Interest & Support Form
Completion of this form does not constitute an application for recognition and does not obligate your facility in any way. It is intended solely as a supportive tool to assist facilities in preparing for the recognition process, should they choose to apply.
Questions can also be directed to the Ohio EMSC State Partnership Program Manager, Kyle Smith at kyle.smith@nationwidechildrens.org.
The Ohio EMSC State Partnership Program collaborates with Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) subrecipients to support implementation of the Pediatric Facility Recognition Program. HPP partners will assist hospitals in completing the National Pediatric Readiness Project (NPRP) assessment and facilitate applications for voluntary recognition. This coordinated effort is key to advancing pediatric readiness across Ohio’s hospitals and emergency departments. Regional HPP contacts can be found in the documents below.
(all dates subject to change)
Documents & Resources
Expand the tiles below to access current resources that can support your facility in preparing to apply for Pediatric Readiness Recognition.
Please Read Before Downloading the Application Manual
Click below to download the Application Manual, which provides step‑by‑step guidance for completing the application process.
Important Update:
A revised version of the Application Manual was published on October 20, 2025. Please be sure you are referencing this most current edition, as it contains updated submission forms and tier‑specific criteria that are essential to your application.
Additional Notes:
- Applicants must use the separate Application Form (standalone document), as recent updates are not reflected in the Appendix of the currently published Application Manual.
- Certain process activities related to pre‑site review and in‑person site visits may be modified at the discretion of the Ohio EMSC Program to support a thorough, fair, and standardized application review process.
Click below to access the fillable PDF, Application Form, which is required to initiate the application process.
Click below to access the fillable PDF, Supporting Documentation Forms by tier. These forms are designed to help facilities begin organizing the materials and documentation required for submission, offering an opportunity to prepare in advance of the formal application.
Click here for a breakdown of the recognition tiers. Important Update: A revised version of the tier criteria was published on October 20, 2025. Please ensure you reference this latest edition, as it includes updated tier-specific criteria and revised wording, essential for your application.
Click here for a PDF version of a slide deck offering a general overview of the recognition program
Have questions? Click here for our FAQ document (last updated 7/1/24)
Informational Webinars
Expand the tile below for links to webinar recordings on Emergency Department Pediatric Readiness, the National Pediatric Readiness Project, and the Facility Recognition Program.
The Ohio EMSC Pediatric Readiness Facility Recognition Program is endorsed by:
