Universal Pre-Kindergarten

What is UPK?

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 have access to 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.

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



UPK:

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.