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).
The Ohio EMSC Pediatric Readiness Facility Recognition Program is launching a structured application process to better support applicants and streamline recognition. Beginning December 1, 2025, the program will offer two application cycles per year, with the first cycle targeting completion by July 1, 2026. Facilities unable to apply during this window will have another opportunity in June 2026, following a similar timeline. Review the resources below to help your facility prepare for Pediatric Readiness Recognition.
Questions can 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.
Click below to download the application manual which will guide you through the application process. Important Update: A revised version of the application manual was published on October 20, 2025. Please ensure you reference this latest edition, as it includes updated submission forms and tier-specific criteria essential for your application.
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:
