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What are my child care and early education choices?

“Child care” and “early education” both describe programs where families receive child care services and children learn.

  • Child Care and Early Education Center

    WHAT IT IS
    Licensed programs where services are provided by early childhood educators in a school-like setting. Children are usually grouped together by age group. Multiple classrooms are overseen by a director.

    SCHEDULE
    Half and full day programs.

    ADULT TO CHILD RATIO
    1 adult for every 8 or 12 children, depending on the program type.

    COST
    Free, low-cost, and paid options.

  • Family Child Care Home

    WHAT IT IS
    Licensed programs where services are provided by early childhood educators in their own home. This smaller setting serves children of various ages together.

    SCHEDULE
    Half and full day programs. Many offer extended, evening, or weekend hours.

    ADULT TO CHILD RATIO
    Small: 1 adult for every 8 children Large: 2 adults for 14 children.

    COST
    Free, low-cost, and paid options.

  • Family, Friend, and a Neighbor

    WHAT IT IS
    Care provided by a relative, friend, or neighbor in your home or their home.

    SCHEDULE
    No set schedule. Many caregivers offer extended, evening, or weekend hours.

    ADULT TO CHILD RATIO
    No formal regulations. Many care for 1-2 children.

    COST
    Free, low-cost, and paid options.

  • Elementary School

    WHAT IT IS
    Free programs, like transitional kindergarten (TK), are offered by public elementary schools specifically for 4-year-olds. It is taught by an elementary school teacher. Schools may also offer programs for children birth through 3-years old.

    SCHEDULE
    Half and full day programs. Some schools offer child care before and after school.

    ADULT TO CHILD RATIO
    1 adult for every 12 children.

    COST
    TK is free for 4-year-olds; other programs may have free or low-cost options.

How can I find child care and early education for my child?

  • Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles

    The Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles provides parents with referrals to child care and early education programs throughout LA County.
    Connectto Child Care Referrals
    (888) 922-4453

  • Los Angeles County Office of Education

    Los Angeles County Office of Education Head Start provides referrals to free early education programs for low – income children from birth to 5 years old.
    ExploreHead Start Programs
    (877) 773-5543

  • Local Elementary School

    Local elementary schools provide free transitional kindergarten for all 4 year old children and may also have early care and education programs for younger children.
    FindYour Neighborhood School

  • My Child Care Plan

    My Child Care plan is a website that provides families with child care referrals throughout California.
    DiscoverChild Care Options

How do I find payment assistance for free or low cost child care and early education?

  • Ask if you qualify for a voucher to pay for child care

    HOW TO CONNECT

    • Go to the Child Care Alliance Los Angeles (CCALA) www.ccala.net to find payment assistance.
    • Ask if you qualify for a child care payment voucher.

  • Apply at a local child care and early education center 

    HOW TO CONNECT

    • Ask your local child care and early education center or family child care home if they offer free or low-cost programs.
    • Some free programs include Early Head Start, Head Start, California State Preschool Program, or General Child Care.

  • Visit your local elementary school 

    HOW TO CONNECT

    • Go to your local elementary school and ask what child care and early education programs they offer.
    • Elementary schools throughout Los Angeles County provide free transitional kindergarten or “TK” for 4-year-old children.
    • Some elementary schools also offer programs for children who are birth –five.

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