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ABOUT OPTIONS FOR LEARNING

Empowering children and families in San Gabriel Valley since 1981

For more than four decades, Options for Learning has partnered with families, providers, and communities to give every child a strong, joyful start. We are one of California's most trusted nonprofit early childhood education organizations — offering quality programs, practical family support, and community resources across the San Gabriel Valley and beyond.

Education Philosophy

We create learning environments that support growth, exploration, and joyful learning.

We believe that children learn best when they are actively engaged, deeply curious, and empowered to explore the world around them. Our educational philosophy blends a child-centered, whole-child approach with a real-world, inquiry-driven learning structure that supports development from infancy through adolescence.

Our goal is to help children become confident, creative thinkers who are well-prepared for both school and life. We nurture their curiosity, love of learning, and ability to solve real-world challenges through meaningful, hands-on experiences.

We are committed to providing respectful and responsive care, recognizing each child as a unique individual with their own needs, interests, and rhythms. By building trusting relationships and responding with compassion and intention, we create a safe and supportive environment where every child feels seen, heard, and valued. We foster environments that build trust — spaces where children feel secure, respected, and free
to explore.

  • Indoors, children engage in purposeful play, collaborative learning, and skill-building activities that foster critical thinking, communication, and creativity. These environments feature natural tones and nature-inspired elements that promote calm, focus, and emotional regulation—creating an atmosphere that supports learning and well-being.
  • Outdoors, children connect with nature, activate their senses, and build resilience through hands-on discovery, movement, and exploration of the natural world.

By honoring each child’s voice and developmental journey, we cultivate a learning community that inspires growth, joy, and a lifelong passion for learning.

Who we serve

Quality early learning and family support — for every family that needs it

Options for Learning is here for families and for the early educators and providers who serve them. Whether you’re looking for infant and toddler care, preschool and support for TK-age children, before- and after-school programs, or help finding the right child care fit — we have programs and resources designed to meet you where you are.

For parents

Infant and toddler care

Center- and home-based programs for children ages 0-36 months

Preschool programs and support for TK-age children

Play-based, school-readiness learning for ages 3–5

Before- and after-school programs

Programs for children in grades TK-8 in a safe, supportive environment

Free child care referrals and family support resources

Free support regardless of income

For early educators

Professional development and training

Support for early educators throughout the region

Nutrition program support and reimbursements

Resources to help child care providers serve healthier meals

Resources to launch or grow a child care business

Support whether you're just starting out or want to elevate your program

Ongoing support for licensed family child care providers

Visits, workshops, and one-on-one coaching

Our story

More than four decades of partnership, growth, and impact

Options for Learning has been partnering with families, early educators, and communities since 1981. As a mission-driven early learning organization, we empower children and families by providing the tools, resources, and support needed to build strong foundations for lifelong learning, social connection, and personal success.

We offer quality, accessible programs that nurture the potential of children from birth through age 14*, including:

  • Infant and toddler care that supports early development in a safe, nurturing environment;

  • Preschool programs, including support for TK-age children, that build school readiness through play-based, engaging learning experiences;

  • Before- and after-school programs that extend learning beyond the school day, foster creativity, and support working families.

Our team of almost 1,000 dedicated professionals delivers enriching, individualized experiences that foster curiosity, confidence, and growth. We also invest in the broader community by offering training, resources, and support to thousands of local child care providers and early educators, strengthening the quality of care for children throughout the region.

From our roots as a single school-age program to becoming one of California’s most respected child care and education providers, Options for Learning now serves nearly 11,000 children and their families across more than 65 locations in the San Gabriel Valley, Whittier, Pomona Valley, and Northeast Los Angeles areas.

What sets Options for Learning apart

Our story

From a single program to a community cornerstone

Our history is one of steady growth, deep community roots, and an unwavering commitment to children and families who need us most.

  • 1981: Founded with a single school-age program in the San Gabriel Valley
  • 1990s: Expanded to include infant and toddler care programs
  • 2000s: Added Head Start and State Preschool programs, extending our reach to younger children
  • 2010s: Grew to become one of San Gabriel Valley's largest child care providers, with nearly 1,000 staff
  • Today: Serving nearly 11,000 children across 65+ locations — with programs from birth through eighth grade and beyond
Story-Circle
Our values

Guided by our core values

Our values aren't just words — they shape every decision we make, every classroom we run, and every family we serve.

Our IMPACT

The numbers behind our mission

White-Children-Served

11,000

children served annually

White-Child-Care

$143,113,922

in child care and program services provided annually

What our families are saying

Community partnerships and memberships

Trusted by our community

Get in touch

Let's connect

Have questions? We're here to help.

Options for Learning | Home Office
2934 E. Garvey Ave. South, Suite 301
West Covina, Calif. 91791

Phone: 626-699-8070
General inquiries: info@optionsforlearning.org

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Please note: Our offices are closed Fridays to ensure work-life balance for our staff.

Get involved

How you can make a difference

Options for Learning is a nonprofit organization. Every dollar donated supports quality early education, family resources, and community services for thousands of children and families across the San Gabriel Valley who need it most. Whether you give your time, your voice, or a financial contribution, you're helping build brighter futures for the children who need it most.

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Get involved

How you can make a difference

Options for Learning is a nonprofit organization. Every dollar donated supports quality early education, family resources, and community services for thousands of children and families across the San Gabriel Valley who need it most. Whether you give your time, your voice, or a financial contribution, you’re helping build brighter futures for the children who need it most.

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