Option for Learning’s commitment to providing affordable, quality infant and toddler care programs in the San Gabriel Valley has been recognized in the Los Angeles Times.
Options for Learning’s model, to partner with local public schools to provide early learning classrooms on school campuses, was highlighted by the Los Angeles Times. Additionally, as public school districts in California face declining enrollment, many see vacant classrooms as an opportunity for child care providers to expand services to families in need of infant and toddler care.
For the past 45 years, Options for Learning has partnered with families across the San Gabriel Valley to provide affordable, quality child care opportunities. Options for Learning has expanded its programs to grow in partnership with local school districts to meet community needs.
“For the nonprofit, which pioneered the concept years ago, understanding the community need is vital and programming varies widely across its 19 school district partners,” Kate Sequeira, the Audience Editor for the Los Angeles Times, writes in her piece regarding Options for Learning. “Some centers welcome preschoolers; others accept toddlers too.”
Despite roughly 1,100 nonprofit preschools closing in California since 2021, Options for Learning continues to expand on school campuses, helping families access consistent care and strengthen connections within their communities.
Tracy Lynch, Chief Program Officer at Options for Learning, shared that keeping children on the same campus can provide valuable consistency for families.
“That’s the best model, right? When we have all walks of life in one setting, learning and growing together,” Tracy shares.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Unified School District is also approving a plan to expand its early education footprint through partnerships with local child care organizations, such as Options for Learning.
“The district gains more kids, [and] community-based preschools preserve their services,” Bruce Fuller, a UC Berkeley professor emeritus, told the outlet. “It can be a win-win.”
Options for Learning offers free and low-cost infant and toddler care, preschool programs, support for TK-age children, School-age programs, free child care referrals, and education support services.
If you are interested in enrolling or learning more about what Options for Learning has to offer, fill out this brief form, and an education advisor will be in touch with you shortly. We’d love to support your family every step of the way.
