The Early Learning Initiative (ELI) is a collaboration between the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) and The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS ).

Akron Summit Community Action (ASCA) is the ELI contracted agency for 9 sites in Summit County with the responsibility of monitoring the sub-providers to ensure program quality. ASCA provides professional development, on-site monitoring, recruitment & fiscal oversight to the local providers.

ELI is designed to provide children ages 3, 4 and or 5 with comprehensive services such as health screenings, child development assessments and educational experiences that will help them enter kindergarten “ready to learn” while meeting the child care needs of working families.

Early Learning services are supported by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding and eligibility is determined by The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS ). Click below to view income eligibility for ELI.

The Early Learning Initiative (ELI) serves families who are working at least one hour a week.

For further information and enrollment assistance, please call the ASCA Recruitment Office at 330-643-0711.

The following is a list of ELI providers:

 ABACUS Child Care Centers, Inc.
839 S Arlington St.
Akron, OH 44306

Kandy Kane
Hawkins Children’s Learning Center, Inc.
1010 S. Hawkins Avenue
Akron, OH 44320

Kandy Kane
Summit Children’s Learning Center, Inc.
380 W. Crosier St.
Akron, OH 44311

Kids Play, Inc. - Akron
388 S Main St. Suite 200
Akron, OH 44311

Kids Play, Inc. - Stow
4530 Kent Rd.
Stow, OH 44224

Kids Play, Inc. - Green
1651 Boettler Rd.
Uniontown, OH 44685

Project A.G.A.P.E. CDC
442 Bell Street
Akron, OH 44307

All About Kids Daycare & Preschool, Inc.
792 E. Waterloo Rd.
Akron, OH 44306

All About Kids Daycare & Preschool, Inc.- Barberton
112 2nd Street SE
Barberton , OH 44203