The Lakewood Family Room is a program from Lakewood’s Department of Human Services. All programs are free to Lakewood residents. We welcome parents, grandparents, nannies, and any other caregiver with their children aged birth to 8. Adults must stay with their child at all times. Programs are facilitated by an Early Childhood educator and volunteer staff. Participants are expected to adhere to current COVID-19 federal, state and local guidelines and health orders.

Click here for the Fall 2023 Family Room Schedule

Lakewood Family Room Fall 2023

Mondays (3-6 PM; 3-7 PM second Mondays):

On Mondays, Lakewood Family Room will be open afterschool and early evening for all families. Caregivers and children 8 and under may play, unwind, and connect in our playroom. Older kids can do homework, watch TV, read, create art, or play board games in one of our activity rooms. On the second Monday of the month, we will have a bonus hour and be open till 7 PM!

Also on Monday afternoons (3:30-5:30 PM), youth aged 11-19 can take part in Colors + Connections Drop In that focuses on emotional, social, and mental wellness skills in a judgement free environment. Colors + also facilitates a Parent Connection group on Second Mondays from 6:30-7:30 PM for those with a child that has come out as trans, gender expansive, or when a child is beginning to question their LGBTQ+ identity. Both groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional.

Tuesdays (9-11 AM & 3-5 PM):

At the Lakewood Family Room Tuesdays are for TODDLERS! At once loveable, sweet, and goofy as well as irrational, demanding, and crazed, we give toddlers a place to work out all those important feelings. And give parents a place to commiserate.

Join us in the afternoon for a place to wind down after school. Children 8 and under are welcome in the Family Room with their caregiver and older kids can unwind in one of our activity rooms.

Wednesdays (10 – Noon):

On Wednesday mornings, Kristen Bindel (Doula and Certified Lactation Counselor) facilitates our Parent, Infant & Lactation Support group. Bring your newborn or baby under one year for peer support, postpartum support, infant care issues, weight checks, lactation and infant feeding support. We even have a variety of babywearing carriers and wraps to try!

While weather allows, those with children over one can join Miss Jess for outdoor fun at Cove Park also from 10 to Noon. We will have toys, blocks, cars, chalk and more. If it is raining or too cold, group will be cancelled.

Thursdays (9-11 AM & 3-5 PM):

Thursday mornings are for Babies to Big Kids! Moms, dads, grandparents, and other caregivers can bring their 0-5 year olds for unstructured play in the Family Room.

Join us in the afternoon for a place to wind down after school. Children 8 and under are welcome in the Family Room with their caregiver and older kids can unwind in one of our activity rooms.

Fridays (9:30 – 11 AM):

Learn thru Play is a free family early literacy program for kids birth to six that gives parents and caregivers a chance to participate in art, creative play, math, science, and language activities with their children. Facilitator and Early Childhood educator, Brenda Nakonecznyj creates activity stations around a monthly theme that will stimulate your child’s natural curiosity to explore and discover all while playing.

Special Events

Thursday, September 14 & 28: Miss Emily’s Storytime (check social media for themes) 10:15 AM

Saturday, September 30: Fall Play Day, 11 – 1 PM, RSVP Requested, For parents/caregivers and children 8 and under

Tuesday, October 31: Cove Community Center Halloween Party, 9:30 – 11:30 AM, Costumes, photos, activities & trick or treat around the center                                               And More to be announced!

Call 216-529-5018 for more information or email jessica.parker@lakewoodoh.net.

Cove Community Center is located at the corner of Cove and Clifton.

Cove Park is just North of the train tracks on Cove.

*** The Lakewood Family Room is a program from the City of Lakewood’s Department of Human Services. The Family Room is closed on all city holidays. ***

Are you a parent who is working or in school? Struggling with the cost of childcare, but don’t qualify to receive county assistance? Have you been a resident of Lakewood for at least one year?

The City of Lakewood Childcare Scholarship Assistance program is designed to help qualified families with a percentage of the daily cost of childcare for Lakewood children, within Lakewood city limits. Scholarships are based on a sliding fee scale depending on household income. The family must choose a licensed childcare center OR Lakewood USDA Family Childcare Home provider in Lakewood for service. Eligibility and progress are reviewed annually.

Applications are available online or by calling 216-529-5018. Return application along with local and federal tax returns, proof of current income and work/school schedule to the Division of Early Childhood at 12400 Madison Avenue, by fax to 216-521-1376 or by email to echildhood@lakewoodoh.net.

Scholarship funds are provided by a Community Development Block Grant from the City of Lakewood and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

To download a Early Childhood Scholarship Application, click here.

Take a look at the childcare providers and preschool programs in Lakewood. Check back; this list is updated regularly.

• Lakewood Childcare Providers and Preschool Programs 2022

EMERSON

• Family Life on-site
• Kids Advancing Academy transports to center

GRANT

• YMCA on-site
• Kids Advancing Academy to center 

HARRISON

• Family Life on-site

HAYES

• YMCA on-site
• Lakewood Child Care Center transports to center
• Kids Advancing Academy transports to center

HORACE MANN

• St. Peter’s Child Care Center on-site
• Brownstone walks to center
• Lakewood YMCA transports to Grant 

LINCOLN

• Lakewood Community Care Center on-site
• Lakewood YMCA transports to Grant 

ROOSEVELT

• YMCA on-site
• Kids Advancing Academy transports to center

Lakewood Early Childhood Professional Consortium represents the leadership of Lakewood child day care centers, private preschool programs, Head Start Programs, Lakewood City Schools, Public Prekindergarten and Special Education preschool programs, family childcare homes and the City of Lakewood, Department of Human Services, Division of Early Childhood.

The Directors of these programs have been meeting monthly for over fifteen years. This professional organization is committed to quality Early Childhood educational experiences and family support practices.

They continue to respond to the needs of children and family in a changing world, foremost considering the welfare of our children. They serve as advocates for not only educational issues, but also legislative agendas, which impact young children and their families.

If you would like more information or are interested in joining the group, please contact echildhood@lakewoodoh.net or call 216-529-5018.

Click here for information about Lead Safety & Prevention.

Division of Early Childhood

Cove Community Center
12525 Lake Avenue
Lakewood, Ohio 44107

(216) 529-5018

Fax: (216) 521-1376

• [ Email Division of Early Childhood » ]
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• Lakewood Childcare Providers and Preschool Programs 2022
• Community Resource Guide
• Early Childhood Scholarship Application

Division of Early Childhood – (216) 529-5018

Q:        What does the Division of Early Childhood offer? 

A:        The Division of Early Childhood offers a wide variety of support, education and community building programs and services for those residents raising or caring for our young children birth through age five. 

Q:       I am looking for childcare, where do I go? 

A:       Please contact: Division of Early Childhood (216) 529-5018 or you can access the listing by clicking here  or contact: Starting Point – www.startingpoint

Q:       I have questions about staff/child ratios in childcare centers? 

A:        Please contact: Division of Early Childhood (216) 529-5018 or you can access the listing by clicking here or contact: Child Care Licensing (Ohio Department of Job and Family Services) (877) 302-2347. 

Q:       I am new to Lakewood and looking for things to do with my young family? 

A:       Please contact: Division of Early Childhood (216) 529-5018 or you can access the listing by clicking here or contact: Lakewood Early Childhood PTA- http://www.lecpta.com/ 

Frequently Asked For Phone Numbers

• Cuyahoga County Childcare Assistance for Working Families (216) 987-6929.
• Starting Point Resource and Referral (216) 575-0061.
• Lakewood Community Service Center (216) 226-6466.
• Lakewood City Schools (216) 529-4000.
• Lakewood Recreation Department (216) 529-4081.
• Child Care Licensing (Ohio Department of Job and Family Services)
• (1-877) 302-2347.
• Any concerns related to child abuse/neglect, please report to (216) 696-KIDS (5437)