Find child care
Options for Learning's child care centers
Options for Learning's child care centers are primarily funded by federal, state and local government contracts. As a result, many spaces in our programs allow us to assist lower-income families who are working, attending college or vocational training, or seeking employment.
Families who do not meet the state or federal income guidelines may also access spaces in our Full-day Preschool, Surround Care and Empowered Learning programs at reasonable prices. Also, our Enrichment Program is a free program located in participating school districts.
Options for Learning welcomes children with disabilities in all our programs, provided the child can be safely and successfully served in the program.
Please note: All facilities must clearly post licenses; the license states the number and ages of children legally allowed on the premises at one time.
Resource and Referral Program
In addition, our Resource and Referral Program assists families, regardless of income, in locating licensed child care free of charge.
Licensed child care centers and licensed family child care homes must meet health, safety, and educational standards set by the California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing.
Types of care
Center-based care
- Infant, preschool and school-age child care centers;
- Non-medical care and supervision to infants, toddlers, preschoolers and/or school-age children in a group setting for periods of less than 24 hours;
- Centers are often located in commercial, church or portable structures.
Home-based care
- Family child care provided in a licensee’s own home;
- Non-medical care and supervision to 14 or fewer children in a home-like environment for less than 24 hours;
- Small family child care homes provide care for eight or fewer children, with two of the children being kindergarten-age or above;
- Large family child care homes provide care for 14 or fewer children, with two of the children being kindergarten-age or above, and an assistant is required;
- Licensed homes must clearly post licenses; the license states the number and ages of children legally allowed on the premises at one time.
License-exempt care
The following are also available but are not in the referral database:
- In-home care: Friend, relative or babysitter caring for a child in the child’s home on a full-time or part-time basis.
- Important note: Families using this type of child care must meet labor law requirements.
- License-exempt care: Child care not legally required to hold a state license. This includes home-based care where caregivers care for one family’s child(ren) beside their own, in-home care (as noted above) and some school-age centers located on school district premises.
- Call 626-856-5900 to learn more.