Early Childhood Education Grant

 

About

• The Early Childhood Education Grant provides high-quality preschool services to eligible children (at low or no cost) in order to prepare children for success in kindergarten. The state-funded grant is awarded to preschool programs who are required to provide comprehensive services that support a child’s growth and learning using developmentally appropriate practices.  In order to best support school readiness, the funds are awarded to existing high-quality early learning programs within high-needs areas of the state. Programs awarded the Early Childhood Education Grant must demonstrate they meet high-quality standards by achieving a 3-, 4-, or 5- star rating in Step Up To Quality, Ohio’s tiered quality rating and improvement system. 
  • Click Here for ECE Grant Fact Sheet

 

Eligibility

Child eligibility criteria for the upcoming school year includes the following:

• Children must be four years old by October 1st of the upcoming school year.
• A child must not be age-eligible to attend kindergarten in their district of residence, even if the IEP calls for another year of preschool programming.
• Family income must fall at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (refer to ECE Grant Income Requirements link)
  •  Click Here for ECE Grant Income Requirements
• If your income level is within the assistance range, complete the JFS01121 ECE Eligibility Screening Tool Application located under the Forms tab on this site. 

 

Grant Application Packet Paperwork (Documents Required to Apply)

All forms can be located under the Forms tab on the main page of this website.

• Columbia Heights Preschool Registration form.
  • This can be submitted with the grant application packet paperwork or previously submitted for the current school year and on file in the preschool office.
• Columbia Heights Preschool ECE Grant Application.
• JFS01121 ECE Eligibility Screening Tool Application.
• ECE Grant Declaration of No Income Form (if applicable).
• Copy of the child's birth certificate.
• Family Income Verification Document(s)
  
  • A 1040 annual tax report, two recent consecutive paystubs, tax records, business records, award letters, child support, or a letter from an employer. 

 Email completed forms to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or drop them off at the preschool office.

 

Grant Registration Fee (Payment Required to Apply)

A Registration Fee of $50 must accompany the Columbia Heights Preschool Registration form.

• After processing the ECE Grant Application, if it is determined your income is at or below 100% of the federal poverty level, your Registration Fee will be refunded to you.
• If it is determined your income is between 101 and 200% of the federal poverty level, an additional amount for the registration will need to be paid prior to the first day of school. 

 

Additional Resources for Families

 If your family is not currently receiving publicly funded child care (PFCC) and are interested in applying, follow the process below:

• Complete the JFS01122 PFCC Supplemental Application.
• Access a copy of your completed JFS01121 ECE Eligibility Screening Tool Application.
• Submit the required documentation to your local department of job and family services.

NOTE:  The preschool DOES NOT need the JFS01122 to apply for the grant or for our records.  This is an additional resource for families.