Cleveland Early Learning Spaces

Building bright futures, one room at a time

A teacher sits at a table with four young students holding whiteboards and markers, engaging in a classroom activity.

Every child deserves to attend a high-quality early learning program in a high-quality facility.

A child’s first school experience should inspire a love of learning. When they step into the classroom, the space should welcome them with a bright, clean, safe environment that fosters curiosity and creativity. It should also give them a true sense of self-worth and confidence and let them know in no uncertain terms they are important.

The Cleveland Early Learning Spaces grant program aims to ensure every child in Cleveland learns in a high-quality facility that helps them reach their full potential. To do this, PRE4CLE provides funding and support for remodeling existing preschool facilities and building new ones.

What makes a High-Quality Learning Space?

Studies show that quality early learning spaces have a profound positive impact on students, including improved student productivity, academic performance, and behavior. Facilities also contribute indirectly to student success by improving job satisfaction for teachers and administrators.

A stylized illustration of three trees on land with a river or water body, and two flying birds above.

environmental health & safety

  • Room temperature
  • Air quality
  • Ventilation
  • Reduced noise
  • Free of asbestos, lead, and other toxins
A wooden shelving unit with books, boxes, and other rectangular items organized on three shelves.

organization & layout

  • Reduced clutter
  • Efficient & safe layouts
  • Fixtures at children’s height
Simple illustration of a yellow sun with eight rays extending outward on a transparent background.

interior finishes & design

  • Quality lighting
  • Natural light
  • Neutral colors
  • Design that brings in elements of nature
Illustration of a playground structure featuring a slide, swings, and a climbing area with an arched entrance and circular window.

gross motor & outdoor play space

  • Indoor and outdoor play spaces
  • Playgrounds, outdoor classrooms and green spaces

“When parents come in and see your space, it's clean, it’s bright, it’s colorful — they feel welcome in your space. Children feel welcome in your space. Children will learn in better spaces that are bright, airy, nurturing… it makes the entire environment much better.”

-Lexington Bell Community Center, 2024 grant recipient

Classroom with small tables and colorful chairs arranged in groups, educational materials on the walls, and storage shelves in the background. A daycare classroom with wooden floors, small tables and chairs, toys, shelving, stacked blocks, and a rocking chair in a bright, organized space.

Little Critters Early Learning Center, before and after

A cluttered home office and playroom with shelves, toys, a desk with a computer, and various supplies, viewed from an adjacent room with a wooden floor. A classroom with tables and chairs, educational posters, shelves with toys and books, a play kitchen, and a window seat with a stuffed doll.

Develop & Enhance the Mind Enrichment Center, before and after

A colorful elementary classroom with alphabet and number rugs, student desks, educational posters on the walls, and various supplies neatly organized. A brightly lit preschool classroom with organized play areas, toys, art supplies, a colorful rug, and large windows letting in natural light.

Murtis Taylor at Kathryn R. Tyler Center, before and after

Since 2021, we’ve facilitated renovations in:

  • 9 center-based child care facilities
  • 2 home-based child care facilities

Impacting

  • 9 Cleveland neighborhoods
  • Up to 1,000 kids annually
  • 130 staff members

Including

  • 45 classrooms with fresh paint, new floors, improved lighting, and/or updated sinks and cabinets
  • 3 upgraded bathrooms
  • Refreshed hallways and lobbies
  • 1 new playground
  • 2 rebuilt front porches
  • Additional facility upgrades to electrical, HVAC, windows, doors, roofs, gutters, and more

“The renovation helped improve educators’ spirit. There is a decrease in the amount of call offs, the team is eager to come to work and they’re excited.”

Heather Brissett, VP of Community Wellness at Murtis Taylor

Help Us Grow Cleveland Early Learning Spaces

PRE4CLE is seeking additional philanthropic funding as well as public resources at the local, state, and federal levels to continue funding Early Learning Spaces. PRE4CLE also works with local banks to seek grant and loan opportunities through Community Reinvestment Act Funding.

contact us for more information
A geometric design with overlapping teal, blue, and green arrow shapes arranged in a circular, star-like pattern on a transparent background.

Our innovative program model goes beyond funding facility improvements in child care programs. Cleveland Early Learning Spaces also:

  • Creates a more equitable system for Cleveland's children and families
  • Offers leadership development and networking opportunities for small business owners
  • Supports economic and community development in Cleveland’s neighborhoods

Other ways to get involved:

Our Recent Projects

A wooden shelf holds labeled bins of toys and blocks in a playroom with educational posters on blue walls and a colorful play mat on the floor.
Develop and Enhance the Mind
Little Critters Early Learning Center
Little Critters Early Learning Center
A brightly lit preschool classroom with shelves, toys, art supplies, and small tables with red chairs on a wood floor.
Murtis Taylor at Kathryn R. Tyler
A beige house with a covered front porch, white railings, steps, and a Gold Rated Energy Star sign in the yard near house number 4008.
Corinna Bryant (Home Provider)
A small kitchenette with light wood cabinets, a sink, a mini fridge, paper towels, and notices on the wall, next to a play area with a crib.
Little Critters Early Learning Center
A bright daycare classroom with organized shelves of toys, colorful rugs, child-sized furniture, large windows, and educational decorations.
Murtis Taylor at Kathryn R. Tyler
A brightly lit daycare classroom with colorful play equipment, a slide, toys, tables, and chairs on a wood floor, with large windows in the background.
Murtis Taylor at Kathryn R. Tyler