Play Learn Grow!

Welcome to the Cleveland Metropolitan School District! We are so excited and honored to have your scholar begin their educational journey with us.

CMSD offers free, high-quality preschool programs in most PK–8 buildings around the city. Every program is highly rated by Ohio's Step Up To Quality rating system for early care and education programs. It recognizes programs that meet or exceed quality standards designed to support positive child outcomes. We believe children learn best through play and developmentally appropriate experiences. Our general education preschool program is full-day and includes free breakfast and lunch.

Our preschool program builds a strong foundation in early literacy, social-emotional skills, and math. CMSD Pre-K follows a curriculum aligned to the Ohio Department of Education's Early Learning and Developmental Standards, covering physical well-being and motor development, cognition and general knowledge, language and literacy, approaches toward learning, and social-emotional development.

Please see the full list of CMSD Pre-K sites to explore options near you and choose the right options for your child.

To enroll, your child must:

• Be four years old by September 30; children with special needs can enroll at age 3
• Be potty-trained

PreK Enrollment Information English  Spanish

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Wondering if Your Child May Need Extra Support?

Every child develops at their own pace, and it's common for families to have questions along the way. You might want to connect with our Preschool Special Education Department if:

• You have questions or concerns about your child's development — for example, how they're talking, playing, moving, or interacting with others
• Your child was recently evaluated, or you think an evaluation might help
• Your child already has an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or an ETR (Evaluation Team Report) from a previous program, early intervention services, or another school district
• A doctor, therapist, child care provider, or Help Me Grow has recommended you look into preschool special education services
• You're not sure whether your child qualifies for services, but you'd like to talk it through with someone

Reaching out doesn't commit you to anything — it simply connects you with a team who can answer questions and, if appropriate, help start the evaluation process. Every conversation is confidential, and there's no wrong reason to ask.

Preschool Special Education Department: Contact the Preschool Special Education Department

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Get Started!

Ready to enroll? Here's what to do:

1. Start the enrollment process with CMSD. Parents and Guardians may begin the enrollment process for Preschool by visiting the District’s Enrollment Page to make your child’s school selection today — choose up to three schools!  Do you have questions about which sites to choose?  Contact our enrollment specialists at 216-838-0000 for help.
2. Gather your documents. All scholars must provide the following forms to complete enrollment.  Please see our enrollment forms page for a full list of forms needed for all preschool students, and be sure to bring these forms to any enrollment appointment.
3. Apply through the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal. This step qualifies families to receive preschool funding through the Ohio Preschool Program and is required for every CMSD applicant.
4. Need help with the Benefits Self-Service Portal? PRE4CLE’s step-by-step guide walks you through the whole process: pre4cle.org/benefits-guide

Registration is now open!

Preschool Enrollment Support: Call 216-838-0000

 

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If you have concerns regarding your child's development or your child has a preschool IEP or ETR, please contact the Preschool Special Education Department

 

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Download the Preschool Parent Handbook