ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Quality early childhood education and child development
For nearly 50 years, we have been a trusted provider of affordable or free child development services for eligible families in our communities. We offer enrollment opportunities for low-income parents seeking a quality early education for their children.
Our programs, tailored to the specific needs of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, nurture essential skills like motor development, physical coordination, and health awareness. The supportive and enriching environment in our centers assists families in building the foundation for lifelong success for their children.
Locations
-
Angeles Mesa Child Development Center
2519 W. Vernon Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90008
Near Leimert ParkAges: 2 Years – 5 Years
Program Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
-
Compton Child Development Center
1600 E. Compton Blvd
Compton, CA 90021Ages: 2 Years – 5 Years
Program Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
-
North Valley Child Development Center
1200 N. Maclay Street
San Fernando, CA 91340Ages: 6 Weeks – 5 Years
Program Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
-
North Valley Infant Learning Ctr.
San Fernando High School
11113 O’Melveny Avenue, Bungalow AA939
San Fernando, CA 91340Ages: 6 Weeks – 5 Years
Program Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
-
Union Pacific Child Development Center
4315 Union Pacific Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90023Ages: 6 Weeks – 5 Years
Program Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
-
Walnut Park Child Development Center
7515 Pacific Blvd
Walnut Park, CA 90255Ages: 2 Years – 5 Years
Program Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
The impact of early childhood education
Early childhood education (ECE) is a critical phase in a child’s life, spanning birth to age 8. This period is marked by rapid growth and development, setting the stage for future academic success, social-emotional well-being, and lifelong learning.
ECE programs create a nurturing environment that fosters cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development, ensuring children have the necessary tools to face the world.
Learn more about the importance of children’s emotional development:
What we provide
We offer high-quality and affordable early child development and education programs with low teacher-to-child ratios in all classrooms.
1:3
Infants
1:4
1:8
Preschool
Toddlers
-
Free Breakfast and Lunch Program
-
Nutrition Lessons for Kids
-
Fun Fitness Activities
-
Music Classes for Our Preschoolers
“Food preparation is a life skill and supports math, science, language, social, emotional, and cognitive development, as well as fine motor skills. Ms. Crystal instructed the students on how to prepare their own parfait for them to eat for an afternoon snack. Children of all ages participated and seemed to love cooking.”
— Early Childhood Education and Development Program Teacher
Our programs, all staffed with caring, ECT-qualified professionals, cater to children as young as six weeks and up to five years.
We supply nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and snacks with a full-time, on-site nutritionist and chef. All programs are focused on early child development and education, with activities like active play, yoga, gardening, cooking, and nutrition lessons.
Tuition (if required) includes all meals, snacks, and activities.
Frequently asked questions
-
Yes. Registration is required to participate. Our child development centers are in various locations, and there are certain prerequisites for eligibility.
-
Services are accessible to children from 6 weeks old to 5 years old; age requirements vary by location.
-
The YWCA’s early childhood program is completely free for eligible families. Call your local center to find out if you qualify.
-
Site directors can answer specific qualification questions, but most families do qualify.
-
Income requirements change annually and vary by location. Call for details.
-
Yes. Tours and visits are welcome.
-
Centers are open from 7:00 AM through 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
-
Yes. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are all included.
-
Yes. Childcare supplies like diapers, clothing, blankets, and bottles are not provided.
-
Yes. Naptime is daily between 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM.
-
Naps are recommended but not enforced; staff will support children who are restless.
-
Classrooms include learning stations that support STEM, literacy, cognition, and social-emotional development.
-
Yes. Outdoor play is provided daily, weather permitting.
-
The curriculum promotes cognitive development through play-based learning, critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
-
Play is central to social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
-
Individualized support and collaboration with families ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.
-
Families receive resources and support to promote healthy development. We also actively encourage community involvement.
