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INFANT AND TODDLER CARE — AGES 0-36 MONTHS

A nurturing start for your child — and a supportive partnership for your family

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.

Early care and educational programs designed for every milestone

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.

Programs that fit families' needs

Full-day care and early learning in a nurturing space

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.

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WHAT MAKES OUR PROGRAM DIFFERENT

Responsive care, meaningful relationships, and support that goes beyond the classroom

Any program can offer a safe space. What we offer goes further — a community built around genuine partnerships with families and a deep understanding of what very young children actually need to thrive.
WHAT CHILDREN EXPERIENCE

Every day guided by care, consistency, and connection

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.

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Who Qualifies

Are our infant and toddler programs a good fit for your family?

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:

Your child is between birth and age 3

Our infant and toddler programs serve children from newborn through age 3, as well as expectant families preparing for their child's arrival.

Your family income meets state or federal eligibility guidelines

Most families in our service area qualify for free or reduced-cost enrollment through Early Head Start and state-funded contracts.

You live in our service area

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.

Your child is age 3 or older

Children who have turned 3 are best served by our preschool programs. Our enrollment team will help you make that transition smoothly.

Your family's income exceeds program guidelines and no fee-based spaces are available

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.

You live outside our current service 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.

What our families are saying

Getting Started Is Easy

How to enroll your child in infant and toddler care

From your first inquiry to your child’s first day, our enrollment team walks you through every step. Here’s how the process works:

What makes us different

Why families across the San Gabriel Valley choose Options for Learning

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:

Qualified, caring educators

Our teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development, so your child is always learning from skilled, compassionate professionals.

Free and low-cost options

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.

45+ years of experience

Founded in 1981, Options for Learning serves nearly 11,000 children annually and has deep roots in the communities we serve.

Convenient locations

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.

Costs and payment options

Affordable infant and toddler care for every family

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.

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Find a location near you

Infant and toddler care centers across the San Gabriel Valley

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.

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Common questions

Have questions? We have answers.

Here are the questions we hear most often from families exploring our infant and toddler programs.

What ages do your infant and toddler programs serve?

Is infant care really free? How much does enrollment cost?

Do you accept children with special needs?

What happens when my child turns 3?

Are meals provided? What do you serve?

How do I apply?

What communities do you serve?

Making a Difference

Every child deserves a strong start — and you can help make it happen

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.