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PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS — AGES 3-5

A joyful start — where your child's love of learning begins

Our preschool programs provide a joyful, engaging environment where children ages 3-5 begin to develop the skills they need for kindergarten — and for life. Through a balance of play, exploration, and intentional learning, children build strong foundations in literacy, math, and social-emotional development.

Free and low-cost options are available for qualifying families, with full-day, full-year programs offered at centers across the San Gabriel Valley and support for families through our home-based program.

Preschool programs built around how children actually learn

The preschool years are remarkable. Children arrive curious about everything — and our programs are designed to honor and deepen that curiosity. Every day is thoughtfully shaped to balance structure and discovery, so children feel supported, engaged, and genuinely excited to learn.

Our programs help children build the confidence, skills, and love of learning that will carry them into kindergarten and far beyond. Not because we rush them toward the next stage — but because we give them the time, relationships, and experiences to truly flourish at this one.

CENTER-BASED PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS

Programs designed with families in mind

We know every family’s needs are unique. That’s why Options for Learning offers preschool programs in nurturing, engaging environments with a quality curriculum and caring educators. Many families may qualify for no-cost services.

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Support that goes beyond the classroom

Comprehensive early learning support for the whole family

At Options for Learning, preschool is about more than just what happens in the classroom. Our programs support children ages 3-5 with nurturing learning experiences, family resources, health and wellness support, and opportunities that help children and families thrive.

  • Guidance and referrals for health, vision, hearing, and developmental screenings;
  • Dental and mental health support connections;
  • Nutrition education and healthy meals and snacks provided daily;
  • Parent education workshops and family engagement events;
  • Dedicated family advocates to connect your family with resources;
  • Opportunities for parent involvement, leadership, and advocacy;
  • Support for families whose children have special needs and can benefit from support in the classroom.
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INCLUSIVE EARLY EDUCATION

Every child is welcome, supported, and celebrated

Options for Learning proudly serves children of all abilities in our preschool programs. Our Inclusion Department partners closely with families, school districts, and program staff to ensure children with special needs receive the individualized support they need to thrive alongside their peers in a safe, nurturing classroom.

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Who Qualifies

Is your family a good fit for Options for Learning preschool?

Our programs are primarily funded by federal, state, and local contracts — which means most qualifying families pay little to nothing. Eligibility is based on factors like income, employment status, child's age, and family circumstances. Here's a quick guide:

Your child is between the ages 3-5

Our preschool programs serve children ages 3–5. Some locations serve children who have turned 5 and are not yet in kindergarten, and some can accept 2-year-olds.

Your family income meets state or federal eligibility guidelines

Program eligibility is based on various factors, such as income, family circumstances, and need for care. Most families in our service area qualify for free or reduced-cost enrollment.

Your child has a special need

Children with IEPs or other special needs are welcomed and supported in our inclusive classrooms. Some families may qualify regardless of income.

Your child is younger than 3

Children under 3 are best served by our infant and toddler programs. Our enrollment team will help you find the right fit and plan the transition to preschool when the time comes.

Your family's income exceeds program guidelines and no full-pay space is available

Full-pay spaces are limited and vary by location. If no space is currently available, our Resource and Referral team can connect you with other licensed preschool options in your area.

You live outside our current service area

Our preschool centers serve communities across the San Gabriel Valley, Whittier, Pomona Valley, and Northeast Los Angeles. If you're outside our service area, we'll provide a referral to another qualified provider.

What Our customers are saying

GETTING STARTED IS EASY

How to enroll your child in preschool

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

What makes us different

Why San Gabriel Valley families choose Options for Learning for preschool

For more than 45 years, Options for Learning has been a trusted early education partner for families across the San Gabriel Valley, Whittier, Pomona Valley, and Northeast Los Angeles. Here's what sets our preschool programs apart:

Proven curriculum, credentialed teachers

Our educators hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. Your child is always learning from qualified, caring professionals.

Whole family approach

We don't stop at the classroom door. Wraparound support services, family engagement, and community connections come standard with every program.

Convenient locations

Serving families in Alhambra, Altadena, Arcadia; Azusa, Claremont; Covina, Diamond Bar, Duarte, Eagle Rock, East La Puente/San Jose Hills, Glendora, Highland Park, Irwindale, La Puente, La Verne, Monrovia, Monterey Park, Pasadena, Pomona, Rowland Heights, San Dimas, San Gabriel, San Marino, Santa Fe Springs, Sierra Madre, South El Monte, South Pasadena, South Whittier, Temple City, Walnut, West Covina, Whittier.

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Costs and payment options

Affordable preschool for every family in our community

We believe every child deserves a quality preschool experience regardless of family income. Our programs are primarily funded through government contracts, so most qualifying families pay little or nothing. 

No- and low-cost for many families

Eligibility is based on a variety of factors, which may include income, family size, employment or training status, and individual family circumstances. Some families may qualify for additional support based on specific needs. Depending on the program, services may be available at no cost or based on a sliding-scale fee and include health screenings, nutrition support, and family resources.

Full-pay spaces

Limited full-pay spaces are available at select centers for families who may not qualify for subsidized services and are interested in a fee-based option. Contact our team to learn about current availability at a location near you.

Find a Location Near You

Preschool centers across the San Gabriel Valley and beyond

Options for Learning operates preschool centers in communities throughout the San Gabriel Valley, Whittier, Pomona Valley, and Northeast Los Angeles. We serve families in Alhambra, Altadena, Arcadia; Azusa, Claremont; Covina, Diamond Bar, Duarte, Eagle Rock, East La Puente/San Jose Hills, Glendora, Highland Park, Irwindale, La Puente, La Verne, Monrovia, Monterey Park, Pasadena, Pomona, Rowland Heights, San Dimas, San Gabriel, San Marino, Santa Fe Springs, Sierra Madre, South El Monte, South Pasadena, South Whittier, Temple City, Walnut, West Covina, Whittier.

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COMMON QUESTIONS

Have questions? We have answers.

Here are the questions we hear most from families exploring our preschool programs.

What ages do your preschool programs serve?

Is preschool really free? How do I know if my family qualifies?

Do you accept children with special needs or IEPs?

What curriculum do you use?

What communities do you serve?

What happens after preschool? Do you offer support for TK-age children?

HELP US MAKE 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 high-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.