Universal Prekindergarten (UPK)

Prepare your child for success in kindergarten and beyond!

What is a high-quality Universal Pre-Kindergarten Site?

A UPK site is a preschool in Cuyahoga County’s award-winning program to help 3-5 year olds access a high-quality prekindergarten program. Only those preschools rated three stars or higher in Ohio’s Step Up To Quality system meet our higher gold standard of quality.

UPK Quality

UPK Preschools meet these high standards and many others:

Teachers hold higher education credentials.
Low teacher / child ratios
A child’s unique needs are the basis for experiences and activities.
A child’s screening and assessment results are shared with families.
Family and community input informs continuous center improvement.

UPK Scholarships

Any preschool aged resident of Cuyahoga County can attend a UPK Preschool. Each program sets its own tuition amount, but Cuyahoga County can provide scholarship assistance to families earning up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level (for example: up to $106,000 annual income for a family of four.) Ask your selected UPK site for more information.

UPK and Families:

UPK has won five national awards for family engagement. Our sites work hard to provide the best in family centered care. A two-generation approach means that support is available for both your child AND you!

As a UPK parent, you will:

partner with staff about your child’s care and education.
receive frequent communications about your child’s progress.
have opportunities to volunteer.
learn about resources that will help prepare your child and your family for success.
be able to join the conversation at Facebook.com/UPKFamilies and on twitter @UPKFamilies

Starting Point is proud to partner with Invest in Children as the lead agency for UPK. The UPK program and its scholarships are paid for by the residents of Cuyahoga County through the Health and Human Services Tax Levy. This important part of everyone’s property taxes funds many helpful programs for residents county-wide.