Childcare in LA
Non-Profit Resource and Referral Agencies
These agencies will help you find childcare in your area. They also provide subsidies (through the state) for eligible families throughout Los Angeles County. The subsidies may be used for any participating private childcare provider. Most childcare providers participate. As of 1/4/2017, the only families that can expect to immediately receive childcare subsidies are families in which both the children and the adults in the household are receiving cash aid (Called ‘Stage 1’). If the adults in a family have received cash aid in the last two years (but are not currently receiving it), that family has a good chance of receiving a subsidy (‘Stage 2’). However, because of the CA budget crisis, families who are not and have not recently received cash aid, though eligible for smaller subsidies, can’t expect to receive subsidies anytime soon. The waitlist for these families is frozen. (Call to check the status regularly; but keep in mind that your chances of getting subsidies anytime soon are quite low, unfortunately).
Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles
CCALA is an umbrella agency/alliance of ten agencies (including the agencies listed below) that provides general information and resources. For more specific information, call the agency below that services your area.
All of Los Angeles
Childcare Alliance (CCALA)
815 Colorado Blvd.,
Second Floor, Suite C
Los Angeles, CA 90041
323-274-1380
888-922-4453
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*Please note: the childcare options listed below are referrals, not recommendations unless otherwise noted.
West Side Connections for Children
2701 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-452-3325
Central LA/South Bay
Crystal Stairs
5110 W Goldleaf Cir Ste 150, Los Angeles, CA 90056
323-299-8998
Central LA/East Side
Pathways
3325 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1100, Los Angeles, CA 90010
213-427 2700
Subsidized / Sliding Scale Options
Infants
There are two main options: infant centers or home daycares. The former are typically more expensive and spots are limited. The latter tend to be less expensive and there are more spots available. We recommend putting your child’s name on several wait-lists as soon as possible. It is also much more difficult to find low-cost or sliding scale options for infants. If you qualify for Stage 1 subsidies, it will likely cover much of your infant care. If not, you’re likely looking at $1000-2000/month for full-time infant care, unless you get into one of the few programs that offer tuition assistance. There are a few at UCLA.
Infants
0-2 years
UCLA child care (0-5 years)
All centers provide childcare from 6 weeks to 5 years. Waitlists are long, so get on them ASAP. Tuition assistance available for eligible families.
Krieger Center (on campus)
6 weeks-5 years
Bellagio Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
310-825-5086
Fernald Center (on campus)
6 weeks-5 years
10620 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90077
310-825-2900
University Village Center
6 weeks-5 years
3233 S Sepulveda Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90034
310-915-5827
UCLA Westwood Child Care Center
6 weeks-5 years
10861 Weyburn Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90024
310-481-0664
UCLAÂ Intervention
Program
For infants and toddlers with developmental risks and disabilities.
1000 Veteran Avenue, Suite 23-10
Los Angeles, CA 90095
310-825-4821
Early Head Start
West Side
Early Head Start is from birth-3 years. Families at or below the federal poverty level (FPL) who are working, in school, or looking for work definitely qualify. If space is available, families at up to 130% of FPL are eligible. Here are the income ceilings for Early Head Start as well as a comprehensive list of programs:
https://www.lacoe.edu/Early-Learning/Head-Start
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Venice Family Clinic
Head Start/ Early Head Start
Westside Children’s Center, Inc.
Head Start/ Early Head Start
PACE – Los Angeles
Head Start/ Early Head Start
Children
2 years and up
Early Education Centers (EECs) - West Side
EECs are a state-funded affordable option, for ages 2-5. Subsidies are available up to the full cost of tuition, depending on household income.
Shenandoah Early Education Center
8861 Beverlywood St.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
310-838-7328
Marina Early Education Center
4908 Westlawn Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
310-822-8436
For questions/more info:
Los Angeles Unified School District
333 South Beaudry Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90017
213-241-1000
EEC Website: http://achieve.lausd.net/Page/497
For a complete list of Early Education Centers in the LA Unified School District, go to this link http://achieve.lausd.net/Page/497 and click ‘EEC locations’. The following list is not exhaustive.
California State Preschool (CSPP)
California State Preschools are another affordable option for 3-4 year olds. Subsidies available, up to the full cost of tuition, depending on household income. (As of 1/4/2017, the household income ceiling was around $3800). There are waitlists, though, so get on them ASAP! Four year olds have priority. Some programs are only part-day; some have both part-day and full-day options. Be sure to look into / get on the wait-list in multiple districts! Your child may attend any state preschool, regardless of whether you live in the district.
Santa Monica / Malibu School District
There are nine state preschools in the Santa Monica/Malibu School District: McKinley, Pine, Franklin, Washington West, G. Woods, Will Rogers, John Adams, John Muir, Lincoln, Infant / Toddler Center Infant / Toddler Center. To apply for one/some/first available, fill out this application:
Application: https://www.smmusd.org/Page/4111
For questions/more info:
Child Development Services
2828 Fourth Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-399-5865
Culver City School District
There are six state preschools in the Culver City School District: Center for Early Education, El Marino, El Rincon, Farragut, Lin Howe, and La Ballona. To apply for one/some/all of them, fill out this application:
For questions/more info:
CCUSD Office of Child Development
10800 Farragut Drive, Culver City, CA 90230
310-842-4230
CSPP - Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)
To find a CSPP in LAUSD, go to this link https://achieve.lausd.net/page/501
(Note, the following list is not exhaustive.)
Braddock Dr CSPP
West Side
4711 Inglewood Blvd. Rm. 2
Culver City, CA, 90230 (Culver City/ Mar Vista)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
310-391-6707
Stoner Ave CSPP
West Side
11735 Braddock Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90230 (Mar Vista)
310-390-3396
Kentwood SPS
West Side
8401 Emerson Ave       Â
Los Angeles, CA 90045 (Del Rey/Playa Vista)
Cheremoya Ave SPS
Central LA
6017 Franklin Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90028 (Hollywood)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
323-464-1722
Selma Ave SPS
Central LA
6611 Selma Ave       Â
Los Angeles, CA 90028 (Hollywood)
Gardner St SPS
Central LA
7450 Hawthorne Ave.       Â
Los Angeles, CA 90046 (West Hollywood)
323-876-4710
Coliseum St CSPP
South LA / South Bay
4400 Coliseum St.
Los Angeles, CA 90016 (Baldwin Hills-Crenshaw)
323-294-5244
Century Park CSPP
South LA / South Bay
10935 S Spinning Ave
Inglewood, CA 90303Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
323-757-8231
LTSC Angelina Preschool
East Side
1336 W Angelina St. #108
Los Angeles, 90026 (Echo Park)
213-481-0227
To apply for one/some/all of them, fill out this application:
Application: https://d3jc3ahdjad7x7.cloudfront.net/vE0dI0cy3hUH1zuqqXcgQsGOamEjg2goxzfHdBtXPDwHgdgy.pdf
Head Start - West Side
Head Start is for ages 3-5. Early Head Start is from birth-3 years. Families at or below the federal poverty level (FPL) definitely qualify. If space is available, families at up to 130% of FPL are eligible. Here are the income ceilings for Head Start as well as a comprehensive list of programs:
Volunteers of America, Mar Vista Head Start
Venice Family Clinic
Head Start/ Early Head Start
Westside Children’s Center, Inc.
Head Start/ Early Head Start
Children's Institute, Inc.
Head Start
PACE – Los Angeles
Head Start/Early Head Start
Volunteers of America, Overland
Head Start
The Children’s Place, Santa Monica
Head Start
Other Sliding Scale/Low Cost Options
West LA College Child Care Center
Ages 2-5, offers tuition assistance
9000 Overland Avenue
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 287-4357
The Growing Place
Non-profit; offers tuition assistance.
401 Ashland Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-399-7769
Blue Oak Creative School House
2.5 yrs-5 yrs; private; scholarships available for eligible families.
12719 Washington Place
Los Angeles, CA 90066
310-390-4111
Culver-Palms YMCA Preschool
Ages 2-5; offers tuition assistance up to 35% of tuition.
4464 S. Sepulveda Blvd
Culver City, CA 90230
Hill n’ Dale Family Learning Center
3 mos-5 years; tuition assistance for Santa Monica residents only.
2801 25th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-450-2803
St. Sebastian Preschool
Ages 2.5-4
Tuition reduction is available.
1430 Federal Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 473-3337
St. Augustine Preschool
Ages 2-3
Financial assistance is available.
3819 Clarington Ave.
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 838-3144
LAUP-Discontinued
You may have heard about LA Universal Preschool (LAUP). It guaranteed preschool to all four year olds regardless of family income. Unfortunately, the grant has run out, and the program no longer exists. :(
Private / Full-Cost* Programs
*Though the following options do not (to our knowledge) offer any financial assistance, etc., we’ve tried to include programs that are around or below average cost.)
Co-ops
Cooperative Schools are a great option, especially if you don’t need full-time care (they are often part-time) and are looking for schools with a high degree of parent involvement (your participation will be required). They usually begin around 2/2.5 years old. Though none of the options below offer financial assistance/scholarships/etc., all cost below average, as they are co-ops.
Co-Ops - West Side
La Playa Co-op Nursery School
Little Village Nursery School
University Parents Nursery School - UPNS
Westchester Parents Nursery School - WPNS
Beverly Glen Playgroup
Dig Childhood Center
(In the process of moving from its current location in Santa Monica to Grand View Blvd. (near the Mar Vista Farmer’s Market)
(310) 452-3885 x2
http://www.digcenter.org/