Division of Early Childhood
Cove Community Center
12525 Lake Avenue
Lakewood, Ohio 44107
(216) 529-5018
Fax: (216) 521-1376
echildhood@lakewoodoh.net
Lakewood is proud to have a wide variety of high-quality childcare and educational opportunities in our city. The Lakewood Early Childhood Professionals Consortium brings the leaders of those programs together on a monthly basis to share information, advocate for educational and legislative agendas and support one another. Residents may contact the Early Childhood division for information about the various programs available to find the one that works best for their family.
A list of Lakewood centers and preschools can be found here.
If your family has lived in Lakewood for at least six months, you may qualify for financial assistance to help pay for childcare. You must use a licensed Lakewood center or in-home provider as well as meet HUD low-moderate income guidelines.
Lakewood CDBG Childcare Scholarship
- For families with children in all day or before/after school care
- Family must live in Lakewood for at least 6 months
- Must use a licensed Lakewood child care provider (includes licensed home care providers)
- Family gross household income must be considered low-moderate income under HUD guidelines (up to $60,800 for a family of 4)
- Pays 50% of the daily cost
- Click here for the application form.
Call the office at 216-529-5018 or email Jessica.parker@lakewoodoh.net with any questions. Applications and supporting documentation may be faxed to 216-521-1376, emailed to Jessica.parker@lakewoodoh.net or mailed to the office at the address listed above.
The Division of Early Childhood remains committed to eliminating lead poisoning through the Lead Safe Lakewood initiative. All children under 5 years old should be tested for lead. You can find more information at by clicking here or by calling 216-529-5018.
Click here for an Early Childhood
COVID-19 Resource List .
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Lakewood Family Room Programs+-
The Lakewood Family Room is a program from Lakewood’s Department of Human Services. All programs are free to Lakewood residents. We welcome parents, grandparents, nannies, and any other caregiver with their children aged birth to 8. Adults must stay with their child at all times. Programs are facilitated by an Early Childhood educator and volunteer staff.
Click here for the Summer 2024 Family Room Schedule
Lakewood Family Room Summer 2024
Mondays (3-6 PM at Cove Park):
Join the Lakewood Family Room at Cove Park this summer!
We will have a wide variety of activities along with the wonderful playground and green space at the park. Draw with chalk, blow bubbles, grab a clipboard and color under the trees, build with blocks, play with cars, and lots more!
As always, no need to sign up, all families are welcome, and you can arrive and leave at any time.
Tuesdays (10-12 PM at Cove Park):
Join the Lakewood Family Room at Cove Park this summer on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10 to Noon!
Every morning will have a wide variety of activities along with the wonderful playground and green space at the park. Draw with chalk, blow bubbles, grab a clipboard and color under the trees, build with blocks, play with cars, and lots more! Some mornings will bring H2O middle school campers to play with the children. Other mornings we will have special collaborations with Connecting for Kids. And some days we will have Miss Emily and her Book Bike for storytime under the trees!
As always, no need to sign up, all families are welcome, and you can arrive and leave at any time.
Wednesdays (10 – Noon at Cove Community Center):
On Wednesday mornings, Kristen Bindel (Doula and Certified Lactation Counselor) facilitates our Parent, Infant & Lactation Support group. Bring your newborn or baby under one year for peer support, postpartum support, infant care issues, weight checks, lactation and infant feeding support. We even have a variety of babywearing carriers and wraps to try!
Thursdays (10-12 PM at Cove Park):
Join the Lakewood Family Room at Cove Park this summer on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10 to Noon!
Every morning will have a wide variety of activities along with the wonderful playground and green space at the park. Draw with chalk, blow bubbles, grab a clipboard and color under the trees, build with blocks, play with cars, and lots more! Some mornings will bring H2O middle school campers to play with the children. Other mornings we will have special collaborations with Connecting for Kids. And some days we will have Miss Emily and her Book Bike for storytime under the trees!
As always, no need to sign up, all families are welcome, and you can arrive and leave at any time.
Fridays (9:30 – 11 AM at Cove Community Center):
Learn thru Play is a free family early literacy program for kids birth to six that gives parents and caregivers a chance to participate in art, creative play, math, science, and language activities with their children. Facilitator and Early Childhood educator, Brenda Nakonecznyj creates activity stations around a monthly theme that will stimulate your child’s natural curiosity to explore and discover all while playing.
And More to be announced! Click here to register for special events.
Call 216-529-5018 for more information or email jessica.parker@lakewoodoh.net.
Cove Community Center is located at the corner of Cove and Clifton.
Cove Park is just North of the train tracks on Cove.
*** The Lakewood Family Room is a program from the City of Lakewood’s Department of Human Services. The Family Room is closed on all city holidays. ***
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Early Childhood Childcare Scholarship+-
Are you a parent who is working or in school? Struggling with the cost of childcare, but don’t qualify to receive county assistance? Have you been a resident of Lakewood for at least one year?
The City of Lakewood Childcare Scholarship Assistance program is designed to help qualified families with a percentage of the daily cost of childcare for Lakewood children, within Lakewood city limits. Scholarships are based on a sliding fee scale depending on household income. The family must choose a licensed childcare center OR Lakewood USDA Family Childcare Home provider in Lakewood for service. Eligibility and progress are reviewed annually.
Applications are available online or by calling 216-529-5018. Return application along with local and federal tax returns, proof of current income and work/school schedule to the Division of Early Childhood at 12400 Madison Avenue, by fax to 216-521-1376 or by email to echildhood@lakewoodoh.net.
Scholarship funds are provided by a Community Development Block Grant from the City of Lakewood and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
To download a Early Childhood Scholarship Application, click here.
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Lakewood Childcare Providers and Preschool Programs+-
Take a look at the childcare providers and preschool programs in Lakewood. Check back; this list is updated regularly.
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Before and After School Care Providers+-
EMERSON
- Family Life on-site
- Kids Advancing Academy transports to center
GRANT
- YMCA on-site
- Kids Advancing Academy to center
HARRISON
- Family Life on-site
HAYES
- YMCA on-site
- Lakewood Child Care Center transports to center
- Kids Advancing Academy transports to center
HORACE MANN
- St. Peter’s Child Care Center on-site
- Brownstone walks to center
LINCOLN
- Lakewood Community Care Center on-site
ROOSEVELT
- YMCA on-site
- Kids Advancing Academy transports to center
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Lakewood Early Childhood Professionals+-
Lakewood Early Childhood Professional Consortium represents the leadership of Lakewood child day care centers, private preschool programs, Head Start Programs, Lakewood City Schools, Public Prekindergarten and Special Education preschool programs, family childcare homes and the City of Lakewood, Department of Human Services, Division of Early Childhood.
The Directors of these programs have been meeting monthly for over fifteen years. This professional organization is committed to quality Early Childhood educational experiences and family support practices.
They continue to respond to the needs of children and family in a changing world, foremost considering the welfare of our children. They serve as advocates for not only educational issues, but also legislative agendas, which impact young children and their families.
If you would like more information or are interested in joining the group, please contact echildhood@lakewoodoh.net or call 216-529-5018.
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Lead Safety & Prevention+-
Click here for information about Lead Safety & Prevention.
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Contact us+-
Division of Early Childhood
Cove Community Center
12525 Lake Avenue
Lakewood, Ohio 44107(216) 529-5018
Fax: (216) 521-1376
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Early Childhood Downloads+-
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Early Childhood FAQs+-
Division of Early Childhood – (216) 529-5018
Q: What does the Division of Early Childhood offer?
A: The Division of Early Childhood offers a wide variety of support, education and community building programs and services for those residents raising or caring for our young children birth through age five.
Q: I am looking for childcare, where do I go?
A: Please contact: Division of Early Childhood (216) 529-5018 or you can access the listing by clicking here or contact: Starting Point – www.startingpoint
Q: I have questions about staff/child ratios in childcare centers?
A: Please contact: Division of Early Childhood (216) 529-5018 or you can access the listing by clicking here or contact: Child Care Licensing (Ohio Department of Job and Family Services) (877) 302-2347.
Q: I am new to Lakewood and looking for things to do with my young family?
A: Please contact: Division of Early Childhood (216) 529-5018 or you can access the listing by clicking here or contact: Lakewood Early Childhood PTA- http://www.lecpta.com/
Frequently Asked For Phone Numbers
- Cuyahoga County Childcare Assistance for Working Families (216) 987-6929.
- Starting Point Resource and Referral (216) 575-0061.
- Lakewood Community Service Center (216) 226-6466.
- Lakewood City Schools (216) 529-4000.
- Lakewood Recreation Department (216) 529-4081.
- Child Care Licensing (Ohio Department of Job and Family Services)
- (1-877) 302-2347.
- Any concerns related to child abuse/neglect, please report to (216) 696-KIDS (5437)
