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SB 400

Regards designation of high-quality youth development programs

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kyle Koehler and 3 co-sponsors

The bill would create a state designation for high-quality youth development programs, awarded by the Director, based on safety, finances, outcomes, programming quality, and commun

Referred to committee
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Bill Summary · SB 400

Summary of SB 400 (136th General Assembly, Ohio) – Regards designation of high-quality youth development programs

Purpose and intent

  • SB 400 would authorize and establish a formal designation process for high-quality youth development programs in Ohio.
  • The designation is conferred by the Director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (the Director) to programs or groups of affiliated programs that meet specified criteria.
  • The designation applies to each facility within the program or group that provides youth programming.

Key provisions and changes

  • Designation authority: Creates a new statutory section, 3301.96, authorizing the Director to designate programs as “high-quality youth development programs.”
  • Applicant entities: A program or a group of affiliated programs represented by a statewide organization may apply. Eligible programs include:
    • Youth development programs described in Ohio Revised Code 5104.02(B)(8) or
    • Approved child day camps or licensed child care programs as defined in 5104.01.
    • The bill references (in effect) entities regulated by the DCY system (child care centers, preschools, day camps, etc.) or exempt youth development programs.
  • Eligibility criteria (must demonstrate all of the following):
    1. The program supports an eligible entity (as noted above).
    2. Adequate safety standards, including compliance with safety laws, documented safety assessments, and screening protocols for staff/volunteers.
    3. Financial soundness and accountability:
      • Audited financial statements for the previous fiscal year (GAAP).
      • A financial audit or review by a CPA within the prior year, without conflicts of interest.
      • Internal controls over public funds, including procurement, conflict of interest, and segregation of duties.
    4. Ability to document outcomes for youth in Ohio.
    5. Consistent, developmentally appropriate, structured programming administered by qualified staff, focusing on outcomes in academic success, healthy lifestyles, and future readiness.
    6. History of year-round programming for youth in grades K–12 across multiple Ohio counties.
    7. Sufficient facilities to provide programming safely and routinely during consistent hours.
    8. Proficiency in establishing local partnerships and engaging with communities and families.
  • Director review process: After an application is submitted (and deemed complete), the Director reviews eligibility against the criteria. If criteria are met, the Director designates the program as a high-quality youth development program. The designation applies to all facilities operated by the program or group that provide youth programming.

Who is affected

  • Eligible youth development programs, child day camps, and licensed child care programs seeking formal recognition as “high-quality.”
  • Facilities operated by designated programs may benefit from the designation, signaling adherence to established safety, financial, programming, and community engagement standards.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Application process: Programs (or statewide groups) must apply in a manner prescribed by the Director.
  • Review timeline: The Director reviews complete applications and determines eligibility. There is no explicit timeline in the text for how long the review takes; the act assigns responsibility to the Director to make a designation if criteria are met.
  • Designation scope: The designation is binding across all facilities where the designated program provides youth programming.

Practical implications

  • Establishes a standardized quality designation that could impact funding, partner opportunities, public perception, and accountability.
  • Encourages programs to maintain strong safety practices, financial management, measurable youth outcomes, year-round operations across counties, quality staff, suitable facilities, and active community partnerships.
  • Creates a potential pathway for programs to demonstrate compliance with high-quality standards beyond general licensing.

Note: This summary reflects the bill as introduced (SB 400, 136th General Assembly, Ohio) and focuses on the substantive provisions and potential effects.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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