Transforming Our Kids and Our Community

High-quality early education provides our children with the tools they need to be successful, forming a fundamental foundation for both their academic and emotional growth. By providing our families with greater access to these essential programs, we not only better ensure their success, we can create a more thriving community with a better educated, more prepared workforce.

See the Stats From the Community

18^%

According to the Ohio Kindergarten Readiness Assessment, only 18% of Toledo children enter TPS ready to learn.

5_Years
Old

Studies show that from birth to age five, a child’s brain develops more rapidly than at any other time in life.

^$8.90

According to the Washington Center for Economic Growth, “Pre-K programs are among the most effective public investments. For every $1 invested in early childhood education, there is up to $8.90 returned to the community.”

1/2

Over half of the nation's largest cities, and every other major city in Ohio, now have publicly funded Pre-K programs.

13,992

Unfortunately, there are currently 13,9992 children (from birth to age 5) in Lucas County who are living below the poverty line.

40^%

About 40% of young children live below the poverty line ($25,700 for a family of 4)

95^%

Ninety-five percent of a child’s brain is fully developed by age five.”

– Dr. Amy Allen, Toledo Public Schools

46^%

Investment in early childhood education provided a reduction in incarceration rates by up to 46%.

From the Community

See what other community members are saying about Pre-K and how vital it is to the growth of our children and our community.

Providing a high-quality early childhood education for our youngest citizens is essential for their educational success. |Research has consistently shown that these early years hold the greatest potential for optimal cognitive and social development, resulting in long-term positive outcomes. When we invest in our community’s children through the education, we are investing in a strong future for our next generation.
Elisa A. Huss-Hage Professor, Teacher Education and Human Services, Owens Community College

No matter a person’s age, relationships matter. A high-quality Pre-K experience is important for children so they experience life with others. Skills such as communicating, problem solving, listening, disagreeing, persevering, valuing self and others, thinking, deciding and caring will be capabilities that will be with them forever.
Karen L. McCoy, PhD President, Toledo Day Nursery

Most of us as parents remember our children began asking question after question around age 3-4. They talked and wanted to know about everything. Imagine a setting for all 4-year olds in our community learning and developing with high educational standards that will prepare them for life- that’s universal Pre-K!
Lisa McDuffie President/CEO, YWCA Northwest Ohio

Investing in the education and success of young children is critical to the well-being of every community. Well educated children become well educated adults. Simply put, education leads to a higher quality of life. A life that generates social and economic prosperity...not only for the individual, but for the community as a whole.
Dr. Raymond Witte Dean, Judith Herb College of Education, University of Toledo

Transforming Our Kids and Our Community

From the Community

Help make Toledo Pre-K a reality for all!