Starting Point / Child Care Resource Center of Cuyahoga County

Program services - Starting Point works to help children and youth 0-12 in ashtabula, Cuyahoga, geauga and lake counties to become successful in school and in life by improving the quality, accessibility, affordability and supply of childcare, early childhood education and out-of-school-time activities; and by providing early childhood and out-of-school-time resources to families, professionals and the community. Starting Point seeks to address the childcare crisis through the project capacity for Care: rebuilding the early Care and education system.

Family services - Starting Point serves as an information hub for families. It helps families to 1) find convenient childcare centers, family Child Care homes and out-of school-time activities; 2) learn how to choose quality Child Care and out-of-school-time activities; 3) access subsidies or scholarships if eligible and 4) secure Child Care and related assistance for special needs children.

Other services:for early childhood and out-of-school-time professionals - Starting pointgives early childhood and out-of-school-time professionals the tools theyneed to provide high quality, successful programs through training,education and consultation; start-up and management assistance; guidancein obtaining credentials; capital loans and grants; a job bank; resourcelibrary and assistance in accommodating children with physical, health or emotianal disabilities.for the community - Starting Point enhances the early learning and out-of-school-time experiences of our children and youth, preparing them to become productive, contributing citizens. The organization shapes effective early childhood and out-of-school-time policies; assess needs and resources; educate and consult with public and private officials, organizations and businesses; research best practices and advocate for good legislation and sufficient resources.