Ohio Awarded $14.7M to Boost Kindergarten Readiness

Grant will fund technology upgrades, training, and support services to strengthen the child care-to-kindergarten pipeline.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Ohio Department of Children and Youth has received a one-year, $14.7 million federal grant to support young children's readiness for school. The Preschool Development Grant - Birth through Five will be used to upgrade technology, build an early childhood research hub, provide training for child care providers, and assist businesses that help pay for employee childcare.

Why it matters

Improving kindergarten readiness is crucial for setting children up for long-term academic and life success. This grant allows Ohio to build on existing early childhood initiatives and make it easier for families to access the services they need.

The details

The grant money will not fund direct children's services, but rather go towards behind-the-scenes improvements to strengthen Ohio's overall child care-to-kindergarten readiness system. This includes expanding the Sparkler mobile app for parents, purchasing curriculum and training for child care providers on subjects like the science of reading, and supporting businesses that help pay for employee childcare.

  • The federal grant funding is available from December 21, 2025 through December 30, 2026.
  • Ohio has received this grant each year since 2018.

The players

Ohio Department of Children and Youth

The state agency that received the $14.7 million federal grant to improve kindergarten readiness in Ohio.

Kara Wente

Director of the Ohio Department of Children and Youth.

Mike DeWine

Governor of Ohio.

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What they’re saying

“Early learning helps set children up for success in school and in life. This funding will help Ohio better support families and make sure young children have access to quality care and learning opportunities during their most important years.”

— Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio (News release)

What’s next

The future of the Preschool Development Grant program remains uncertain, as it is unknown whether Congress will continue to fund it in the federal budget. However, Ohio plans to demonstrate the program's necessity in preparing children for kindergarten, which could help secure its renewal.

The takeaway

This grant allows Ohio to build upon its existing early childhood initiatives and make critical investments in technology, training, and support services that will strengthen the state's child care-to-kindergarten pipeline and ensure more young children have access to quality care and learning opportunities.