Programs overview

RESOURCE AND REFERRAL PROGRAM

Options for Learning's Resource and Referral Program assists families regardless of income in locating licensed child care free of charge. This program also provides training and support for child care professionals.

SUBSIDIZED CHILD CARE VOUCHER PROGRAM

Child Care Services program

The Child Care Services program differs from our center-based programs in that they do not provide direct child care services. Rather, they serve as a resource center for families and child care providers.

Child Care Services provides:

Assistance with child care payments to the child care provider of choice for children ages 0-12 years (up to age 21 for exceptional needs children);
A variety of subsidized child care programs that offer reimbursement for various types of child care;
A food and nutrition program for licensed family child care providers;
Child development resources and support for parents and child care providers.

CENTER-BASED PROGRAMS

Options for Learning's center-based programs 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 and would like to enroll their children may be able to access spaces in our Full-day Preschool, Surround Care, and Empowered Learning programs at reasonable prices. Additionally, 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.

INFANT/TODDLER CARE PROGRAM

Early Head Start

Full-day/full-year center- and home-based infant/toddler program;
Serves children from birth to 3 years and pregnant women;
Extensive family support and involvement;
Free for low-income and qualifying families;
State- and federally funded program;
Serves those living in Azusa, Covina, Diamond Bar, Glendora, East La Puente/San Jose Hills, Irwindale, Monrovia, Rowland Heights, San Gabriel, South El Monte, Temple City, Walnut, and West Covina.

EARLY LEARNING PROGRAMS

Full-day Preschool

Full-day, full-year preschool;
Serves ages 3-4 years; 2-year-olds in Whittier;
Free, low-cost, and full-pay options;
Free for low-income and qualifying families;
Serves those living in Altadena, Azusa, Covina, Eagle Rock, La Puente, Monrovia, Pasadena, Pomona, Rowland Heights, San Dimas, San Gabriel, Santa Fe Springs, South Whittier, Walnut, West Covina, Whittier.

State Preschool

Half-day, 10-month preschool program.
Serves ages 3-4 years.
Free for low-income families.
State-funded program;
Serves those living in Alhambra, Azusa, La Puente, Monterey Park, Pomona, Rowland Heights, San Gabriel, South Whittier, Walnut, Whittier, and West Covina.

Head Start Pasadena | Head Start South El Monte

Half-day, full-day, and home-based programs;
Serves ages 3-4 years,
Extensive family support and involvement,
Free for low-income families,
Federally funded programs;
Head Start Pasadena serves those living in Altadena, Arcadia, Claremont, Duarte, Eagle Rock, Highland Park, La Verne, Pasadena, Monrovia, San Dimas, San Marino, Sierra Madre, and South Pasadena;
Head Start South El Monte serves those living in Azusa, Covina, Diamond Bar, East La Puente/San Jose Hills, Glendora, Irwindale, Monrovia, Rowland Heights, San Gabriel, South El Monte, Temple City, Walnut, and West Covina.

SCHOOL-AGE PROGRAMS

Enrichment Program – ASES After-school program; Serves grades K-8; Located on school sites; Free program regardless of income; State-funded program; Serves families in Rowland and San Gabriel Unified School Districts.	Enrichment Program - Empowered Learning Before- and after-school, full-year program; Serves grades TK-8; Located on school sites; Free, low-cost, and full-pay options; State-funded program; Serves families in Alhambra Unified School District.
Surround Care Before- and after-school, full-year program; Serves grades TK-8; Located on school sites; Free, low-cost, and full-pay options; State-funded program; Serves families in schools in East Whittier, La Habra, La Puente, Rowland Heights, San Gabriel, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, Walnut, West Covina, and Whittier.