When it comes to deciding where to send your child for childcare, the options can oftentimes be overwhelming, especially in a large community such as Pomona.
Pomona, the seventh largest city in Los Angeles County, has over 151,000 residents and is located about 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
From private centers to nonprofit programs, you have many childcare options, which is why we want to help you find the best fit for your child.
For more than 45 years, Options for Learning has provided children and families with childcare and early learning programs throughout the San Gabriel Valley, including in Pomona.
Keep reading on to explore some of the most popular center-based childcare programs in Pomona, in no particular order.
Author’s note: The programs included were selected based on factors such as community reputation, program offerings, years in operation, publicly available information, and family reviews.
1. Child Development Center at Fairplex
Since 1980, the non-profit Child Development Center at Fairplex has continued to provide early care and education programs.
Partnering with the University of La Verne, the Child Development Center at Fairplex offers infant, toddler, preschool, and kindergarten programs.
According to their website, the center has a comprehensive approach to child development with a few key components, including:
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Literacy-based curriculum
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Providing a literacy-enriched environment where children develop a love of reading and language-based activities
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Fair field trips
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During the Los Angeles County Fair in the month of May, children explore the Fairplex grounds with special learning exhibits
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Conscious Discipline approach
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A research-backed, trauma-informed social-emotional learning and classroom management program developed by Dr. Becky Bailey
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Certified Baby Signs School
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Teachers are specially trained to use simple sign language to help infants communicate their needs before they are able to speak
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Opportunities for parent engagement through the Parent Advisory Committee, and help in the library
The Child Development Center at Fairplex offers both tuition-based and subsidized childcare options. Families who meet eligibility requirements may qualify for free or reduced-cost services, while other families may enroll through the center’s tuition-based program.
2. Options for Learning
Since 1981, Options for Learning has supported children and families across the San Gabriel Valley by providing quality, affordable childcare, early education programs, and family resources.
Options for Learning offers a variety of services, including:
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Infant and toddler care (ages 0-24 months)
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Preschool programs (ages 2-5)
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Transitional kindergarten (TK) support (ages 4-5)
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Before- and after-school programs (grades TK-8)
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Comprehensive support services, including nutritious meals and snacks, inclusion services, health services, behavioral health and wellness resources, and family engagement opportunities
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Free childcare referrals
Today, Options for Learning operates more than 160 classrooms throughout the San Gabriel Valley, including Pomona, serving more than 11,000 children each year and delivering over $143 million in childcare and program services.
Through hands-on, engaging learning experiences, children build both academic and social-emotional skills that help prepare them for future success. Options for Learning’s educators hold early childhood education credentials and participate in ongoing professional development to ensure high-quality learning environments.
Most programs are free or available at a low cost for eligible families. (Eligibility is typically based on factors such as family size, income, and need for childcare services, with many programs serving families earning up to 85% of the California State Median Income.)
3. First Christian Church Child Development Center
For over 40 years, First Christian Church Child Development Center has been serving Pomona families and children with early learning programs, from infant and toddler care to preschool.
Through the nationally recognized curriculum, Zoo-phonics, children are encouraged to explore the world around them and socialize with other children. Zoo-phonics is a multisensory language arts program that uses a kinesthetic, multimodal approach to learning all aspects of language arts, grounded in phonics and phonemic awareness.
Some highlights of the program include:
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A licensed and insured facility
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Instructors who are certified in Early Childhood Education/Child Development, CPR, First Aid, and have a federal background check
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Year-round care with full-time and part-time programs available
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Summer sessions available for children entering first through fourth grades
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Free hot meals and snacks
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Field trips for ages 4 through 5
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Parent connections through a communication app that includes secure billing
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Staff bilingual in English/Spanish
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Non-sectarian
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While the center is sponsored by First Christian Church Pomona, they do not engage in religious instruction
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According to First Christian Church Child Development Center’s published tuition schedule, monthly tuition ranges from approximately $905 to $1,500, depending on a child’s age, schedule, and toileting status. Infant and toddler care is generally the most expensive option, while part-time preschool programs are less expensive.
4. McKinley Montessori Academy
After opening their doors for operation in July 2012 with one preschool classroom, McKinley Montessori Academy has expanded to two preschool classrooms, an infant and toddler program, and a transitional kindergarten (TK) program.
The teaching philosophy relies on the Montessori method with trained teachers and Montessori materials. The Montessori method is a child-centered approach to learning, in which children engage in self-directed, hands-on experiences that promote independent growth.
Teachers either possess a B.A. in Early Childhood Education or Child Development and a minimum Teacher’s Permit issued by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing.
McKinley Montessori Academy, which also serves healthy breakfasts, lunches, and snacks, offers full-day and part-day preschool options for private-pay families and for families eligible for California State Preschool programs.
5. Tree of Life Children’s Center at Temple Beth Israel
Since 1988, the Tree of Life Children’s Center at Temple Beth Israel has been serving children ages 2 through 5 years with a child-centered, play-based preschool program for families in the Claremont, La Verne, Pomona, and surrounding communities.
While Jewish traditions and culture are incorporated into the curriculum, Tree of Life Children’s Center is open to all families of all backgrounds and faiths.
Children in the preschool program are divided into age groups based on their ages as of September 1 of the school year in which they enter.
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Kitah Lev (Kitah=group/class, Lev=heart)
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The youngest 2s focus on becoming accustomed to a school routine and managing separation as they begin to bond with caring teachers
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Kitah Tikvah (Kitah=group/class, Tikvah=hope)
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As older 2s, children demonstrate a growing interest in social interaction with peers, and master more independence in their care routines
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Kitah Sakranut (Kitah=group/class, Sakranut= curiosity)
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The young 3s are introduced to more purposeful activities at large and small group times
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Kitah Osher (Kitah=group/class, Osher=happiness)
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The older 3s and young 4s build on the foundation of the previous groups by becoming more involved in a variety of activities of their own interests, facilitated by the teachers
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Kitah Chaverim (Kitah=group/class, Chaverim=friends)
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Designed as a “pre-K style” class, older 4-year-olds have slightly more structure to prepare the children for kindergarten, while still within the context of play-based learning
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More program highlights include:
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Shabbat experience
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Friday mornings, children gather in the temple sanctuary and are introduced to the rituals of lighting candles and blessing the challah for Shabbat
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Outdoor environment (shaded outdoor learning environment)
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Music with Cantor Paul
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Family involvement from fundraising events to Jewish holidays
Families are encouraged to contact Tree of Life to learn more about pricing and available program options.
How to choose the right childcare program in Pomona
As you compare center-based childcare programs, think about how each one fosters social-emotional growth, incorporates play-based learning, and supports children as they build the skills needed for kindergarten.
Visiting classrooms, speaking with teachers, and asking thoughtful questions can help you determine which program best aligns with your child’s needs and your family’s goals.
If you are interested in learning more about Options for Learning’s early learning programs, connect with an education advisor to explore program options, eligibility requirements, and enrollment opportunities.
Not sure which childcare option is right for your family? Options for Learning also offers free childcare referrals, helping families connect with licensed programs and resources in their community. Call us at 626-699-8070 or submit an inquiry to get started.
Frequently asked questions
How much does childcare cost in Pomona?
Childcare costs in Pomona vary depending on a child’s age, the program type, schedule, and services offered. Private programs may charge several hundred to several thousand dollars per month, while some nonprofit and publicly funded programs offer free or low-cost care for eligible families.
What should I look for when choosing a childcare center?
When visiting childcare centers, consider factors such as teacher qualifications, health and safety practices, class sizes, daily schedules, curriculum approach, opportunities for play-based learning, and family communication.
Should I tour a childcare center before enrolling?
Yes. Touring a center can help you get a better sense of the environment, daily routines, teacher-child interactions, safety practices, and program philosophy.
