Cincinnati Preschool Promise

What Cincinnati Preschool Promise does

Cincinnati Preschool Promise (CPP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2016 to expand access to high-quality preschool education for Cincinnati families. The organization operates as a community-based funding intermediary, channeling public and private resources to subsidize preschool tuition for eligible families and supporting a network of preschool providers across the Cincinnati area.

CPP administers a tuition assistance program funded primarily through a voter-approved levy on the Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) budget, which generates approximately $15 million annually. Since its inception, the organization reports serving more than 13,000 children through its tuition assistance program, working with a network of over 208 eligible preschool sites. Beyond direct tuition support, CPP invests in workforce development by providing grants and stipends to preschool educators pursuing early childhood credentials. The technology stack supporting operations consists of standard nonprofit tools, including StoreMapper for the public provider directory and REDCap for application and case management, with no proprietary platform or AI/ML components disclosed.

The organization's revenue model combines the CPS levy allocation with private donations and grants, with the bulk of funding flowing through to families and providers in the form of tuition assistance and educator support. CPP also operates complementary initiatives including the CPP Plus programming line for extended learning and convenes community stakeholders around early childhood education policy in the Cincinnati region. Its lean operational structure of 8 employees reflects its role as a coordinating and funding body rather than a direct service provider.

Name

Cincinnati Preschool Promise

Legal name

Cincinnati Preschool Promise

Website

https://cincy-promise.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Cincinnati Preschool Promise is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that administers a voter-funded tuition assistance program enabling Cincinnati families to access a network of 208+ eligible preschool sites, serving 13,000+ children since 2016.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Early Childhood Education Services

NAICS

Child Care Services (62441), Child Care Services (6244)

SIC

Services-Child Day Care Services (8351), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Academic/School-Readiness Preschools (EDACABAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Preschool Programs within Childcare Centers (EDACABAL)

Keywords

• Preschool tuition assistance
• Early childhood education
• Kindergarten readiness programs
• Preschool provider network
• Education workforce grants

Headquarters

HQ city

Cincinnati

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Taxpayer-Funded Levies: The primary funding source is a Cincinnati Public Schools levy, originally passed in 2016 and renewed in 2020 and 2025, providing $15 million annually for preschool expansion. These funds are shared between CPP and Cincinnati Public Schools for tuition assistance, special education services, and quality improvement projects.
2. Private Donations: CPP relies on the generosity of private donations to support innovative CPP Plus initiatives. Donations are tax-deductible and can be designated to honor the donor's will. The organization also welcomes local, regional, and national grant opportunities.
3. Grant Funding: CPP receives and pursues grant funding from various sources including foundations such as the Greater Cincinnati Foundation and the African American Chamber of Commerce Black Giving Circle. These grants support business workshops, workforce initiatives, and program operations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Cincinnati Preschool Promise administers a tuition assistance program that enables Cincinnati families to enroll their preschool-age children (ages 3-5) in a network of 208+ approved Silver- and Gold-quality rated preschools at no cost to eligible families. The organization connects families to providers through an online searchable map, funds tuition via a voter-approved Cincinnati Public Schools levy ($15M annually), and supports providers with quality improvement coaching, workforce grants, and CPP Plus enrichment programs in literacy, music, and social-emotional learning.

Product overview

Cincinnati Preschool Promise operates as a nonprofit preschool enrollment and tuition assistance organization with a modular program portfolio. The core offering consists of two interconnected services: (1) a Tuition Assistance Program enabling families to access 150+ approved preschool providers through a searchable network map, and (2) CPP Plus, a suite of family engagement and educator empowerment initiatives including literacy programs (Promise Readers), music education (Musical Journeys), social-emotional tools (Calmee the Caterpillar), and community events (Back-to-Preschool Jam). Supporting these core offerings are educator workforce grants (Teacher Promise Grants, Staff Support Fund, Teacher Completion Grants), provider network support (Provider Council, Coffee & Conversations, Business Support workshops), and volunteer engagement programs. The organization functions as a community coordinator connecting families, preschool providers, and educators through its website platform and in-person programming, funded by a Cincinnati Public Schools levy approved by taxpayers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CPP Plus: A suite of strategic initiatives focusing on family engagement, educator empowerment, and kindergarten readiness, including programs like Preschool Chats, CPP Promise Readers, Peanut Butter & Jam Musical Journeys, Smart Start Backpacks, and The Calm Corner Kit.

Products and services

• Tuition Assistance Program A financial assistance program that helps Cincinnati families afford high-quality preschool education at approved CPP network providers. Eligible families apply online and receive tuition support to enroll children in Silver or Gold quality-rated preschools across Greater Cincinnati.
• Find a Preschool (Provider Network) A searchable map tool connecting families with 150+ approved CPP preschool sites including centers, home-based sites, and parochial schools. Preschools must meet Ohio's Step Up to Quality (SUTQ) standards to join the network, with Gold-Medal and Silver-Medal filter options.
• CPP Plus A suite of strategic initiatives focusing on family engagement, educator empowerment, and kindergarten readiness. Includes programs for children, families, and educators such as Preschool Chats, Promise Readers, Musical Journeys, Calm Corner Kit, and professional development offerings.
• CPP Provider Portal A password-protected portal for preschool providers to access network resources, submit enrollment data, and manage tuition assistance agreements within the CPP network.
• Preschool Chats A virtual open forum series engaging parents and community members with leaders and experts who share resources on childhood development topics including trauma, kindergarten selection, and financial literacy.
• CPP Promise Readers An early literacy program featuring community leaders, parents, and authors reading children's books via YouTube to inspire love of reading and strengthen family literacy skills among CPP preschoolers.
• Peanut Butter & Jam Musical Journeys A weekly in-class music education enrichment program in partnership with Linton Chamber Music providing instruction that supports preschoolers' brain development, communication, and rhythm skills. Participants have shown improved results across social-emotional, physical, language, cognitive, literacy, and mathematics assessments.
• Smart Start Backpacks Play-based learning supply kits distributed annually to CPP preschoolers containing learning materials and a copy of 'The Night Before Preschool' book to reinforce attendance routines. Over 1,200 backpacks are delivered each year.
• Calm Corner Kit (Calmee the Caterpillar) An emotional regulation tool and curriculum teaching mindfulness and PBIS methodology to enhance children's prosocial skills. Includes classroom kits, Parent Field Guide, and on-demand parenting classes.
• American Legacy Theater in Classrooms (ALT) A student-led experiential learning program integrating teachers, families, peers, and community into preschoolers' whole-child development through play-based experiences. In just five weeks of participation, CPP students showed 92% measurable movement on all assessment domains aligned with kindergarten readiness.
• K-SPARK (Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids) An evidence-based home visitation program in partnership with CoStars Early Childhood Services designed to close learning gaps through Family Readiness Groups supporting social, emotional, and cognitive development of preschool children.
• Teacher Promise Grants (TPG) Wage supplements and bonuses for lead preschool teachers at tuition assistance providers with SUTQ Silver or Gold awards, offering up to $5,000 per year plus $1,000 advancement bonuses. Designed to improve teacher recruitment and retention.
• Teacher Advancement Stipends (TAS) Lump-sum payments for lead teachers currently receiving TPG who complete professional development hours or educational degree advancement, incentivizing continued professional growth among early childhood educators.
• Staff Support Fund (SSF) Grants for quality improvement preschool sites providing up to $3,000 per lead teaching position for staff retention bonuses, health insurance, wage supplements, or formal education costs.
• Teacher Completion Grants Stipends for Cincinnati State Technical & Community College students in final stages of Early Childhood Education coursework, providing hands-on experience at CPP preschools with pathway to permanent employment.
• Back-to-Preschool Jam An annual signature community event kicking off the school year featuring concerts, music-centered art projects, provider meet & greets, book giveaways, and Smart Start backpack distribution.
• Coffee & Conversations Provider-only networking sessions for community preschool providers to discuss early childhood education trends, best practices, workplace well-being, and classroom creativity.
• CPP Business Support A business-focused workshop series including 10-week sessions, specialized boot camps, and individual coaching to help providers navigate small business operations with support from certified business advisors.

Quantifiable outcome

• 13,000+ children have received tuition assistance
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.

• Cincinnati Public SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016CPP was created through a Cincinnati Public School levy passed in 2016 and renewed in 2020 and 2025, providing $15 million annually for preschool expansion. CPS uses funds for Tuition Assistance, Special Education services, and targeted quality improvement projects. The partnership ensures public dollars are used effectively to give preschoolers a strong foundation for kindergarten and long-term academic success.
• United Way of Greater Cincinnati – Success By 6coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2003United Way's Success By 6 initiative serves as a convenor and champion for early childhood education. Since 2003, UWGC's leadership, investments, and advocacy have fueled community-wide services and laid the groundwork for the voter-approved funding that created and sustains CPP. United Way conducts public campaigns, invests in community solutions, and advocates for policies supporting children.
• African American Chamber of CommercemajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCPP partners with the African American Chamber (AACC) to strengthen independent centers and home-based preschools within the CPP Provider Network. When funding allows, CPP Community Providers are eligible for 1-year complimentary membership to the AACC. Through this CPP Plus partnership, preschools gain access to signature programs, special events, and business resources.
• All-In CincinnatimajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAll-In Cincinnati is a multi-sector coalition transforming how systems serve communities with the greatest need. As a key partner, All-In leads community conversations on early education, child care, and preschool, driving system change grounded in community insight while strengthening support for community preschools.
• Communities for Action (CFA)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCFA offers a six-month technical assistance program for teams exploring or preparing for systems change to support the ECE workforce. The Ohio team includes Southwest Ohio AEYC, Ohio AEYC, CPP, Dayton Preschool Promise, PRE4CLE, OCCRRA, and the Ohio Department of Children & Youth. The program creates space for reflection, strategic development, and community building.
• K-Ready Alliance OhiosupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerK-Ready Alliance Ohio is a coalition of early childhood education organizations across Ohio working to align systems and expand access to quality preschool. CPP participates as a member alongside organizations including Lorain City Schools, Ohio Head Start Association, Pre4CLE, and others.
• Linton Chamber Music (Peanut Butter & Jam)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCPP partners with Linton Chamber Music for the Peanut Butter & Jam Musical Journeys program, providing weekly in-class music education instruction. CPP preschoolers who participated consistently showcase improved results in social-emotional, physical, language, cognitive, literacy, and mathematics assessments.
• Beech Acres Parenting CentermajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCPP partners with Beech Acres for The Character Effect program as part of CPP Plus educator initiatives. Beech Acres provides resources and programming to support family engagement and educator development within the CPP network.
• CoStars Early Childhood ServicesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCPP partnered with CoStars for K-SPARK (Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids), an evidence-based year-round home visitation program designed to close learning gaps widened by the pandemic. Through Family Readiness Groups, K-SPARK supports social, emotional, and cognitive development of preschool children.
• 4C for ChildrencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner4C for Children offers the Child Care Careers Program with Career Navigators for those interested in early childhood careers. CPP provides financial stipends to Child Care Career participants at CPP community preschools. These workforce efforts connect educators with long-term job opportunities and classroom experience.
• Cincinnati State Technical & Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCPP's Teacher Completion Grants support Cincinnati State students in final stages of Early Childhood Education coursework. Students gain hands-on experience at CPP preschool sites with the goal of securing permanent employment. CPP offers stipends in partnership with the Cincinnati State Foundation.
• Children's Funding ProjectmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChildren's Funding Project is a nonprofit social impact organization that helps communities expand equitable opportunities for children through strategic public financing. They help local and state leaders understand funding sources, coach policymakers on aligning funds with priorities, and equip advocates with skills to generate new sustainable funding.
• Groundwork OhiomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGroundwork Ohio is a statewide nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy organization advocating for Ohio to be the best place to be a young child. Their policy priorities include early learning & childcare, healthcare access & quality, early childhood trauma prevention, and economic stability, bringing system-level approach needed for CPP to fulfill its mission.
• The Care Economy Organizing (CEO) ProjectsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEO Project is a statewide grassroots organizing project focused on building power with women, especially women of color who work in the care economy. The project advocates for adequate state investment in children and families. CPP supports their mission to uplift women in the care economy and ensure early educators receive fair wages.
• Ohio Department of Children and YouthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Ohio Department of Children & Youth promotes positive lifelong outcomes for Ohio youth through early intervention, quality education, and family support programs. The department's motto 'do what's right for kids' reflects its mission alignment with CPP's goals for early childhood education.
• American Legacy TheatremajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmerican Legacy Theater In Classrooms (ALT) provides student-led experiential learning integrating teachers, families, peers, and community into preschoolers' whole-child development. In just five weeks of ALT participation, CPP students showed 92% measurable movement on all assessment domains aligned with kindergarten readiness.
• Guardian Savings BanksupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerGuardian Savings Bank supports CPP's Smart Start Backpacks program, which delivers over 1,200 backpacks annually to CPP preschoolers. The backpacks include play-based learning supplies and a copy of The Night Before Preschool to reinforce routine attendance.
• Union Savings BanksupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerUnion Savings Bank supports CPP's Smart Start Backpacks program, contributing to the annual distribution of over 1,200 backpacks to CPP preschoolers filled with play-based learning supplies.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Dayton Preschool Promise: Dayton Preschool Promise operates an almost identical community-funded preschool tuition assistance model in the Dayton, Ohio region. It is explicitly named as a peer organization within CPP's own partnership data and shares the same conceptual model of expanding preschool access through public funding.
• PRE4CLE: PRE4CLE (Cleveland's Preschool Promise) is a Cleveland-based initiative with a directly comparable mission to expand access to high-quality preschool. It is referenced as a peer within CPP's K-Ready Alliance Ohio coalition and operates on similar community-funded preschool expansion principles.
• 4C for Children: 4C for Children is a core CPP partner organization that provides Child Care Careers programming, workforce navigation, and quality improvement services across the Cincinnati region. It operates complementary early childhood workforce and quality programs that closely overlap with CPP's mission and footprint.

Others

• National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER): NIEER is a leading national research organization on early childhood education policy and quality. While primarily research-focused, it provides the evidence base and policy framework that informs programs like CPP and serves as a comparable organization in the preschool access ecosystem.
• Children's Funding Project: Children's Funding Project is a nonprofit that helps communities expand equitable opportunities for children through strategic public financing. It works with CPP as a partner and represents a comparable ecosystem organization focused on sustainable public funding for children's services.
• Groundwork Ohio: Groundwork Ohio is a statewide public policy organization advocating for Ohio's young children across early learning, healthcare, and family support. It partners with CPP and represents a comparable policy-advocacy approach to early childhood education funding and access.

Broad incumbents

• Pritzker Children's Initiative: Pritzker Children's Initiative is a national philanthropy working to expand high-quality early childhood education through public funding. It serves as both a potential funder and comparable organization pursuing similar policy-based approaches to preschool expansion.
• NYC Pre-K for All: NYC Pre-K for All is a major municipal universal pre-kindergarten program serving New York City. While much larger in scale, it shares CPP's core mission of expanding preschool access through public funding and demonstrates a comparable city-level intervention model.

Regional players

• Boston Universal Pre-K: Boston Universal Pre-K (UPK) is a city-level initiative providing universal pre-kindergarten access to Boston residents. While geographically distinct, it operates with similar goals of expanding preschool access through public funding and serves as a comparable municipal preschool model.

Emerging players

• United Way of Greater Cincinnati - Success By 6: United Way of Greater Cincinnati's Success By 6 initiative serves as a convenor and champion for early childhood education and laid the groundwork for CPP's voter-approved funding. It is a core CPP partner with directly comparable early childhood community organizing goals.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cincypromise
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@cincypreschoolpromise482
• Facebookfacebook.com/cincipreschoolpromise
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cincinnati-preschool-promise
• Instagraminstagram.com/cincipreschoolpromise

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cincinnati Preschool Promise