Early Learning & Whole Family Support
Nurturing Futures, Empowering Families, Strengthening Our Community
In 2025, The Centers continued its vital mission across Cuyahoga County, providing high-quality early childhood education integrated with essential health and social supports. We believe a child’s success is rooted in a strong family ecosystem, which is why our programs go beyond the classroom to provide a holistic foundation. Our goal is to ensure every young child in Greater Cleveland enters kindergarten with the tools and confidence they need to thrive.
Beyond education, we empower our families with the resources and knowledge to support their children’s growth at home. By pairing accessible early learning with comprehensive wraparound services, we are working together to break cycles of poverty. This community-driven approach ensures the next generation can grow into engaged citizens and successful adults.
2025 Executive Summary: By The Numbers
Behind each number is a family supported, a caregiver strengthened, and a child better positioned for stability and well-being.
Total Children Served
1,654
(Head Start & Early Head Start)
Families Supported
1,234
School Readiness Rate
87%
of Early Learning scholars tested at or above age expectations across domains
Health Access
99%
of children secured a “medical home”
Wellness Screening
100% of children received health, dental, and developmental screenings
Award Winning Quality
Named ‘Best Nonprofit that Helps Families and Children’ in 2025 Northeast Ohio Parent Choice Awards
Exceptional Head Start Review Results
The Centers’ latest Federal Head Start review resulted in recognition across five Areas of Strong Practice, a level of performance the Program Specialist reported she had not encountered in more than 20 years. This rare accomplishment highlights the program’s exceptional quality, strong governance, and effective use of resources.
Community Partners
80+ local referral organizations to support the families we serve
Strengthening our Community Ecosystem
In 2025, The Centers leveraged a robust network of community partners and funders to expand our reach and strengthen our programming. Our Early Learning classrooms welcomed specialized guests to provide unique developmental opportunities:
Arts & Music
The Beck Center for the
Arts brought the joy of
music and creative
expression directly to our
students.
Literacy
The Cleveland Public
Library and Cuyahoga
County Public
Library provided dedicated
reading sessions to foster a
lifelong love of books.
Physical Health
Gym Skills Cleveland led interactive exercise sessions to improve motor skills and physical confidence in our youngest learners.
Building Home Libraries
In collaboration with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the Cleveland Book Bank, we ensured that every child had regular access to high-quality books at home.
Strengthening Our Community Ecosystem
Through a major grant from the PNC Foundation’s Grow Up Great® initiative, we celebrated the launch of two state-of-the-art nature-based PlayScapes designed by LAND studio
Clifton Early Learning Center (Lakewood)
Launched in June 2025, this space features interactive sensory elements, vibrant murals by local artists, and inclusive play structures.
"We’re continually inspired by the children’s imagination and independence. Watching them grow and gain confidence has been incredible.”
- Valencia Myers, Clifton Early Learning Center Lead Teacher Bridget Mriatry and Assistant Teacher
Wade Early Learning Center (Cleveland)
Opened in October 2025, our second Playscape includes murals by Irina Wong and provides infants and toddlers with safe, nature-rich environments to develop gross motor skills and curiosity.
“The new PlayScape has completely changed how my daughter views school. She used to be shy, but now she’s the first one running toward the mud kitchen and the murals. Seeing her learn through nature and play, in a space that feels like it was built just for her, makes me so confident in the start she’s getting at The Centers.”
— Maya J., Wade Center Parent
