Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs are an important investment in Ohio's youngest learners. Ohio has worked to increase the availability of high-quality early learning programs for preschool children by providing the Early Childhood Education grants. Funded programs deliver high quality, comprehensive learning environments focused on healthy development and intellectual, social and emotional success. Research is clear; children who participate in high-quality early learning programs begin school better prepared for educational success. In fiscal year 2017 (July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017), the number of Early Childhood Education funded children expanded as a result of the $73,760,000 investment in state funding. These additional funds allowed for a total of 399 grantees that were funded to serve 18,440 children. Eligible grantees included public school districts, educational service centers, joint vocational schools, community schools, chartered nonpublic schools and community-based child care providers receiving a 3-, 4- or 5-star rating in Ohio's quality rating system, Step Up To Quality (SUTQ). High-quality preschool programs were identified within each targeted high needs community, invited to apply for new funding, and selected based on a competitive process. This annual report meets the requirements of Section 263.20 of House Bill 64 (C) which says: "The Department shall provide an annual report to the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President of the Senate and post the report to the Department's web site, regarding early childhood education programs operated under this section and the early learning program standards." [For the 2016 edition of this report, see ED600129.]