Options for Learning provides full-day, full-year infant and toddler care for children from birth to 36 months at centers across the San Gabriel Valley. Our trained educators create safe, responsive environments where your child builds the social, emotional, and cognitive skills that set the stage for a lifetime of learning — and many families qualify for free or low-cost enrollment.
Every child develops at their own pace, and our infant and toddler programs support children at every step.
Our experienced early childhood educators provide individualized attention in small, calm classroom settings — supporting your child's social-emotional growth, language development, and physical skills through play-based learning every day.
We believe that the relationship between a caregiver and a very young child is one of the most powerful forces in early development.
Everything we do — the environments we create, the routines we keep, the way our caregivers respond — is designed to build the trust and security that makes all other learning possible.
Our center-based and home-based infant and toddler programs share the same commitment to quality — and give families the flexibility to choose the setting that works best for them.
Full-day*, full-year care: Dependable support for families with consistent, quality care throughout the year — not just during the school calendar.
*Our infant and toddler programs operate from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Serving children from birth to 36 months: Supporting infants, toddlers, and expectant families during this important stage of development.
Center- and home-based options: Families can choose between our early learning centers or home-based programs that pair families with a parent educator for personalized support, learning activities, and guidance at home.
Free and low-cost for qualifying families: Many families qualify for free or reduced-cost enrollment through Early Head Start and other state and federal contracts; fee-based spaces are also available for families who don't meet income guidelines.
Our caregivers follow each child's cues, creating secure attachments that support emotional development and trust — the true foundation of early learning.
We value families as a child's first and most important teacher. We work alongside you to support your child's growth and development, sharing observations, celebrating milestones, and keeping you connected every day.
Activities are thoughtfully designed to promote language, motor skills, and social-emotional development through play, interaction, and sensory exploration.
Healthy, locally sourced, and organic meals and snacks are provided at no cost, supporting children's growth and development from the inside out.
Families have access to a broad range of resources and services that support overall well-being — from health screenings and nutrition resources to parent education and community connections.
Our spaces are thoughtfully designed to help infants and toddlers feel safe, comfortable, and ready to explore — because the environment itself is part of the curriculum.
Learning begins with feeling safe and supported. Each day in our infant and toddler programs is shaped by this belief. These aren't just program features. They're the reasons children who start with us carry the confidence and curiosity they build here with them for years to come.
Developing early communication skills: Through talking, reading, singing, and responsive interactions that honor each child's emerging voice and way of expressing themselves.
Exploring through play: Hands-on experiences that encourage curiosity and discovery — because for very young children, play is how learning happens.
Building trust and attachment: Consistent, caring relationships with familiar caregivers that help children feel secure — the emotional foundation for all development.
Growing at their own pace: Individualized care that honors each child's unique development, rather than fitting every child into the same mold.
Our programs are primarily funded by federal, state, and local government contracts — which means most qualifying families pay little to nothing. Eligibility is based on factors like income, employment, and your child's age. Here's a straightforward guide:
Our infant and toddler programs serve children from newborn through age 3, as well as expectant families preparing for their child's arrival.
Most families in our service area qualify for free or reduced-cost enrollment through Early Head Start and state-funded contracts.
We serve families in Azusa, Covina, Diamond Bar, Glendora, East La Puente/San Jose Hills, Irwindale, Monrovia, Rowland Heights, San Gabriel, South El Monte, Temple City, Walnut, West Covina, and surrounding communities.
Children who have turned 3 are best served by our preschool programs. Our enrollment team will help you make that transition smoothly.
Fee-based spaces are limited and vary by location. If no space is currently available, our Resource and Referral team can connect you with other licensed infant care options in your area.
Our infant and toddler centers serve specific communities in the San Gabriel Valley. If you're outside this area, we'll provide a referral to another qualified provider near you.
Parent, Huffman Center infant and toddler programs, West Covina
From your first inquiry to your child’s first day, our enrollment team walks you through every step. Here’s how the process works:
Call or apply online to connect with a knowledgeable education advisor. They’ll learn about your family’s needs and help identify the best infant or toddler program and location for your child.
Your advisor will help you understand which programs you qualify for and guide you through the required documentation. Eligibility can only be confirmed once paperwork is received and reviewed by our staff.
Once approved, an enrollment specialist will finalize your child’s placement. You’ll receive everything you need to prepare for their first day in a safe, supportive early learning environment.
For more than 45 years, Options for Learning has been a trusted partner for families and communities throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Here’s what sets our infant and toddler programs apart:
Our teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development, so your child is always learning from skilled, compassionate professionals.
Most families qualify for free or reduced-cost care through state and federal funding, including Early Head Start. We also offer limited fee-based spaces for families who don't meet income guidelines.
Founded in 1981, Options for Learning serves nearly 11,000 children annually and has deep roots in the communities we serve.
We serve families 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.
We believe every child deserves quality start — regardless of family income. Our infant and toddler programs are primarily funded through government contracts, so most qualifying families receive care at little or no cost.
Free through Early Head Start: For qualifying families with children ages 0-36 months and expectant families. Eligibility based on federal poverty guidelines. At-risk families and children with special needs may qualify regardless of income.
Free home-based program: Eligible families can access our free home-based infant and toddler program, where parent educators provide personalized support to help children learn and grow at home.
Free or low-cost through state contracts: Additional state-funded spaces available for working families, students, and job-seekers who meet income eligibility requirements.
Low-cost spaces: Limited full-pay spaces available at select center locations for families who don't meet eligibility requirements. Ask our team about current availability.
Options for Learning serves families 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. Find the location closest to your family.
Here are the questions we hear most often from families exploring our infant and toddler programs.
Our infant and toddler programs serve children from 0-36 monthts, as well as expectant families who want to plan ahead for their child's care. When a child turns 3, they transition into one of our preschool programs — our team will help you plan that next step well in advance.
Most families in our service area qualify for free or very low-cost enrollment through Early Head Start and state-funded programs. Eligibility is based on factors including income, employment status, and family circumstances. There's no cost to apply — our team will help you understand your options.
Yes. Options for Learning proudly serves children of all abilities. Our Inclusion Department works closely with families, school districts, and program staff to ensure children with special needs receive the individualized support they need to thrive in a safe, nurturing classroom.
When your child turns 3, they'll transition into one of our preschool programs. For families already with Options for Learning, this transition is natural and well-supported. Our enrollment team will connect with you ahead of time, walk you through the process, and make sure your child moves into the right preschool program when the time comes.
Yes. Children in our center-based programs receive healthy, locally sourced, and organic meals and snacks daily at no additional cost. We believe good nutrition is part of good care — and it's included.
You can apply online at any time or call our intake team at 626-699-8070 Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our team will guide you through eligibility, required documents, and next steps.
We serve families 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, and surrounding communities. If you live outside our service area, we can provide a referral to another qualified provider.
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.