What is Universal Pre-Kindergarten?
Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) sites in Cuyahoga County, Ohio offer award-winning preschool programs that provide high-quality education for 3-5-year-olds. These sites meet rigorous standards, with only preschools rated three stars or higher in Ohio’s Step Up To Quality system, achieving our gold quality standard.
UPK preschools feature highly qualified teachers, low teacher-to-child ratios, personalized learning experiences, and ongoing communication with families. As a UPK parent, you’ll have the opportunity to actively participate in your child’s education, receive regular updates on their progress, volunteer, access valuable resources, and engage with other UPK families through social media platforms.
Children of preschool age who reside in Cuyahoga County are eligible to enroll in a UPK Preschool. While each program determines its tuition fees, families with incomes up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level (e.g., up to $106,000 annually for a family of four) may qualify for scholarship assistance provided by Cuyahoga County.
Looking for a UPK Program?
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.
Kindergarten Transition
Universal Pre-Kindergarten programs help your child prepare for kindergarten, too! For more information and tips for the transition to Kindergarten, check out our resource pages.
Invest in Children
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 property taxes fund many helpful programs for residents county-wide.
