Last verified: October 2026
What is Cuyahoga County's Universal Pre-Kindergarten program?
UPK is Invest in Children's countywide preschool program, paid for by the Cuyahoga County Health and Human Services levy. Residents with children ages 3, 4 and 5 choose a participating program near home or work, and families at or below 400% of the federal poverty level can request a 50% tuition scholarship by mentioning it at enrollment.
Programs run in child care centers, school districts, Head Starts and family child care homes, half-day or full-day. Starting Point, the county's child care resource line at (216) 575-0061, helps families find one.
Who qualifies for the Ohio Preschool Program in Northeast Ohio?
Children who are not yet age-eligible for kindergarten in families at or below 200% of poverty. Under the Department of Children and Youth standards in effect from October 1, 2026, that is $5,500 a month for a family of four. OPP is statewide, so Lake, Lorain, Geauga and Medina families can use it too.
What does PRE4CLE do for city families?
PRE4CLE is Cleveland's high-quality preschool initiative, tied to the city's Early Childhood Compact and CMSD, that helps city families find rated programs and holds enrollment events such as its Preschool Palooza. Ask a PRE4CLE-listed program whether it also takes UPK, OPP or child care subsidy.
Does any Ohio voucher pay for preschool?
No. The Cleveland Scholarship and both EdChoice programs begin at kindergarten. The exception is a child with an IEP, who can use the Jon Peterson Scholarship from age 3.
| Program | Ages | Income line |
|---|---|---|
| Cuyahoga UPK scholarship | 3-5 (Cuyahoga residents) | Up to 400% of poverty |
| Ohio Preschool Program | Before kindergarten | Up to 200% of poverty |
| Publicly Funded Child Care | Under 13 (under 18 with a disability) | Below 145% at entry |
| Child Care Choice Voucher | Child care ages | 145%-200% of poverty |
| Jon Peterson Scholarship | From 3, with an IEP | None |