The U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment

or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.)

If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of

Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish).

3rd Quarter 2019

CONTENTS Page 2

Kids Korner

Page 3

Food Program News

Page 4

Resource & Referral

Page 5

Legislative

Page 6

Health & Safety

Page 7

Food & Nutrition

Page 8

Informational

Page 9

Subsidized News

Page 10

Quarterly Calendar

Page 11

Staff List

Nutrition, Nurture and News

Dear Community Partner,

Options for Learning is excited about our new

beginning after the agency’s founding leader, Cliff

Marcussen retired last year and I assumed the role of

CEO. I owe much gratitude to the organization’s Board

of Directors, committed administrators and staff, along

with the Interim CEO, Margarite Buitrago, for making

this transition so seamless.

I first heard about the phenomenal work of Options for

Learning when I worked as the Vice President of

Development and Communications at Maryvale, then as the Executive Director

for Pathways LA. Options for Learning has been an essential leader in child

development services since 1981, furthering a vision where all children achieve

their full potential and staff strive together to prepare children and families for

life success through innovative, quality programs.

As the successor to the foundational excellence that Cliff paved, I am truly

OPTIONS FOR LEARNING WELCOMES PAUL F. PULVER AS NEW CEO

honored to join Options for Learning. I have supported and admired the work of the agency for many

years, having served as a Board Member on the Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles (a partnership of ten

member agencies that deliver services to thousands of families and child care providers across Los

Angeles County) and numerous boards and committees at the county, state, and national level.

Options for Learning will continue to build upon its impressive legacy, working alongside our board

members, exemplary staff and community partners to pursue our major goals. I am dedicated to

ensuring that clients throughout our service area continue to get the services and support they deserve.

We aim to build our capacity, commit to continuous improvement and work with our partners to provide

excellent early care and education throughout our communities.

I look forward with great anticipation to the years ahead.

Feel free to contact our Corporate office at (626) 967-7848 should you have any questions or comments.

Respectfully,

Paul F. Pulver, CEO

2 Nutrition, Nurture and News

Kids Korner

What You Will Need:

Clean and Dry Recycled Milk or Juice Carton

White Paint Sheet of Chipboard or Recy-

cled Cardboard School Glue Foam Paintbrush

Tissue Paper Squares in Assorted Colors

Twine Wooden Spoon X-Acto Knife (if needed,

parental use only) Mod Podge or Spray Sealer

(optional)

Milk Carton Birdhouse

How to Make:

1. To create our milk carton birdhouses, I started by giving the recycled milk and juice cartons a light coat of white spray paint so that the package lettering wouldn’t bleed and show through the tissue paper.

2. Have the children coat the sides of the carton with school glue and apply the tissue paper squares in any arrangement that they’d like. After your child is done applying the tissue, gently brush the tissue squares with the sponge brush to ensure that all the edges are glued down and secure. Allow to dry.

3. To create the roof, fold a piece of chipboard (or recycled cardboard) in half width-wise. Cover the chipboard with glue and tissue paper squares. Set aside and let dry.

4. If necessary, remove the plastic pouring spout with an X-Acto knife (adults only!). You can also cut off any excess cardboard from the “roof ridge” if desired.

5. Cut an opening for the door – if you would like to make a birdhouse, use a smaller sized opening; for a bird feeder, cut a large rectangular opening as shown above. About an inch below the door, use the X-Acto knife to cut two small slits in an “X” shape and insert the handle of a wooden spoon to create your perch. Before you push it all the way to the back of the carton, add a generous dab of glue to securely attach the end of the spoon to the interior back of the carton.

6. On your roof piece, cut two small slits about 2” apart, and thread through the ends of your twine. Tie a knot securely on the underneath side so it won’t show. Using the school glue (or hot glue if you don’t want to wait for school glue to dry!), attach the roof to your carton.

7. Give the milk carton birdhouses a couple of coats of out-door Mod Podge or spray varnish, and hang them up out-side.

8. If you made a bird feeder, fill the bottom up with bird seed, hang from a tree, and wait for your feathered friends to discover it!

Source: www.happinessishomemade.net/collage-birdhouses/

3 www.optionsforlearning.org

Food Program News

Do You Care for Infants?

Before around 6 months of age, most babies do

not have the muscle control and coordination to

eat solid foods. They are not “developmentally

ready.” When a baby is developmentally ready to

eat solid foods, he or she:

Is able to sit in a high chair and hold his or

her head up.

Is able to move his or her tongue to help

swallow the food.

Is able to open his or her mouth when foods

come towards him or her.

Feeding Solid Foods Too Early -

Feeding solid foods before a baby is developmentally ready may increase the chance that he or

she will:

• choke on the food.

• drink less breastmilk or infant formula than needed in order to grow.

• be overweight or obese later in life. Feeding solid foods before a baby is ready:

• does not help the baby sleep through the night.

• does not make the baby eat fewer times in a day.

Feeding Solid Foods Too Late -

Delaying the introduction of solid foods beyond the time when babies are developmentally

ready may prevent them from eating the variety and amounts of food they need. This may in-

crease the risk that babies will:

• not get the nutrition they need, especially iron and zinc.

• not grow normally.

• reject foods when they are given at a later age.

• have delayed speech and motor development.

By the time babies are 7 to 8 months of age, and if developmentally ready, they should be con-

suming solid foods from all CACFP food components such as vegetables, fruits, grains, and meat

and meat alternates, along with breastmilk or iron-fortified infant formula. Encourage parents to

talk about solid foods with the baby’s health care provider.

From USDA’s Feeding Infants in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)

New Convenience Foods Reminder:

If you serve chicken nuggets, corndogs, or fish sticks to claim on the Food Pro-gram, select only from the new Conven-ience Foods List starting on July 1, 2019.

4 Nutrition, Nurture and News

Resource and Referral

Legislative

5 www.optionsforlearning.org

….continue on page 6

CALIFORNIA BUDGET SIGNED BY GOVERNOR NEWSOM STRENGTHENS FOUNDATION FOR YOUNG CHILDREN AND

THEIR FAMILIES

Solidifying his commitment to California’s youngest children, Governor Gavin Newsom on June 27 signed his 2019-2020 budget that includes nearly $2.8 billion focused on early childhood development priorities. Advancing a whole child approach, these significant investments will strengthen families, improve child health and development, and fortify the state’s early care and education system.

Fulfilling commitments put forward in his inaugural address, the budget makes a significant down payment on the essential services and supports needed for California’s children and families to thrive.

In commending the governor’s efforts and acknowledging his alignment with First 5 LA’s commitment to ensuring all children in LA County enter kindergarten ready to succeed in school and life, First 5 LA Executive Director Kim Belshé said, “Governor Newsom and the Legislature have crafted a com-prehensive approach to start meeting the critical needs of [P i c t u re C o u rt e s y o f G ov . Ne w s om ' s T w itt e r @ G a v in Ne w s om ]

California’s youngest children. With budget commitments to family strengthening services through home visiting, developmental and trauma screenings, as well as investments to strengthen California’s early learning system, Governor Newsom, Speaker Rendon and Senate Pro Tem Atkins deserve credit for creating a strong foundation for our state’s future.”

Among the new investments in early childhood development is more than $135 million to expand the California Home Visiting Program and CalWORKs Home Visiting Initiative, programs that help build strong families and promote optimal child development at the earliest moments possible; $800 million to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit to provide economic relief to California’s working families; expanding paid family leave opportunities so parents can focus on caring for their children; and $348 million to increase CalWORKs grants to ensure no family receiving cash aid in California lives in deep poverty.

The budget also includes $95 million to improve rates of developmental screenings, an essential step toward connecting children with developmental delays and their families to services, and screenings for adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to build a more responsive and trauma - informed healthcare delivery system. An additional $50 million will support training for providers conducting ACEs screens. The budget also makes a significant investment in strengthening the state’s early care and education (ECE) system, expanding access to child care and state preschool programs, investing in critical ECE infrastructure including facilities and the workforce, and funding the creation of a Master Plan for early childhood development to ensure California provides affordable access to high -quality early learning services.

In addition to committing significant resources from the state’s increased general fund revenues, the budget diversifies funding for child development programs by directing federal Medicaid matching funds to child health services and directing a portion of taxes raised from the sale of cannabis, estab-lished by the passage of Proposition 64, to support early learning, a critical early intervention shown to build strong families, children, and communities.

First 5 LA’s Kim Pattillo Brownson, vice president of Policy and Strategy, emphasized the Governor and Legislature have also shifted the debate by recognizing the needs of working and poor families. “They are not shying away from bread and butter economic issues, but instead addressing head -on the harsh

6 Nutrition, Nurture and News

Health & Safety

12 Safety Tips for Traveling to and from School

1. Plan a walking route to school or the bus stop. Choose the most direct way with the fewest street crossings and, if possible, with intersec-tions that have crossing guards.

2. Walk the route with your child beforehand. Tell him or her to stay away from parks, vacant lots, fields and other places where there aren’t many people around.

3. Teach your child never to talk to strangers or accept rides or gifts from strangers. Remember, a stranger is anyone you or your children don’t know well or don’t trust.

4. Be sure your child walks to and from school with a sibling, friend, or

neighbor.

5. Teach your kids — whether walking, biking, or riding the bus to school — to obey all traffic signals, signs and traffic officers. Re-mind them to be extra careful in bad weather.

6. When driving kids, deliver and pick them up as close to the school as possible. Don’t leave until they are in the schoolyard or building

7. If your child bikes to school, make sure he wears a helmet that meets one of the safety standards (U.S. CPSC, Snell, ANSI, ASTM, or Canadian). Research indicates that a helmet can

reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85 per-cent.

8. If your child rides a scooter to school, make sure she wears sturdy shoes, a helmet, kneepads and elbow pads. Children under age 12 should not ride motorized scooters, according to recent recommendations from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

9. Teach children to arrive at the bus stop early, stay out of the street, wait for the bus

to come to a complete stop before ap-proaching the street, watch for cars and avoid the driver’s blind spot.

10. Remind your children to stay seated at all times and keep their heads and arms inside the bus while riding. When exiting the bus, children should wait until the bus comes to a

complete stop, exit from the front using the handrail to avoid falls and cross the

street at least 10 feet (or 10 giant steps) in front of the bus.

11. Tell your child not to bend down in front of the bus to tie shoes or pick up objects, as the driver may not see him before starting to move.

12. Be sure that your child knows his or her home phone number and address, your work number, the number of another trusted adult and how to call 911 for emergencies.

Originally Published in Reader's Digest https://www.rd.com/advice/parenting/back-to-school-safety-tips/

economic realities facing too many California families,” said Pattillo Brownson.

Belshé commended Governor Newsom and the Budget Conference Committee for crafting a balanced budget that reflects a strong, comprehensive commitment to California’s children and families.

“Governor Newsom and the Legislature have crafted a comprehensive approach to meeting the critical needs of California’s youngest children. With budget commitments to family strengthening services, Newsom and legislative leaders deserve great credit for creating a strong foundation for our state’s future.”

“We look forward to continuing our work with the governor and legislative leaders to advance this progress,” said Belshé. “Continuing to prioritize young children in policy and budget decisions bene-fits every Californian.”

….continued from page 5

Source: FIRST5LAarticle

7 www.optionsforlearning.org

Food & Nutrition

Watermelon Flavored Water Try this refreshing flavor combination of wa-termelon, lime, and mint, or create your own!

Ingredients

1 cup watermelon 1 lime 5 mint leaves (optional)

Makes: 8 Servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Directions 1. Wash all produce.

2. Collect, slice, and measure all ingredients before starting to prepare the recipe.

3. Add all ingredients plus enough cold water to fill a 2-quart pitcher. Chill overnight in the re-

frigerator for the most flavor, and store in the refrigerator until ready to drink. The fruit will

stay fresh in the water for up to 48 hours after being prepared.

4. After you drink the water, you can eat the fruit or blend it into a smoothie!

How to Choose a Watermelon Selection Choose symmetrical water melons with dried stems and yellowish undersides, heavy for size.

Storage

Store whole watermelons at room temperature.

Refrigerate cut watermelons in airtight container for use within 5 days.

Nutrition Benefits Fat free; saturated fat free; sodium free; cholesterol free; high in vitamin A;

high in vitamin C.

Try these combinations, or create your own!

Watermelon Lime Cucumber Lemon (or Lime) 1 cup watermelon ½ cucumber 1 lime 1 lemon or lime 5 mint leaves (optional) Pineapple Grape Berry Kiwi (or Orange) 1 cup canned diced pineapple 10 strawberries or blackberries Pineapple juice from can 1 kiwi or 1 orange 1 cup grapes

Source: Colorado State University Extension. Eating Smart, Being

8 Nutrition, Nurture and News

Informational

9 www.optionsforlearning.org

Subsidized News

Continue on page 10...

Effective July 1, 2019, for families initially establishing eligibility for subsidized early learning and care services based on income, a family’s adjusted monthly

income must be at or below 85 percent of the SMI, adjusted for family size. This is the same percentage being used to determine ongoing eligibility.

In addition, when funding is available for non-CalWORKs families, Options for Learning enrolls families in priority order. Regulations specifies that the first

priority must be families with children who are receiving child protective services or at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation. Second priority goes to families in income ranking order, with lowest income receiving highest priority, based

on family size and income. Assembly Bill (AB) 2626 amended EC Section 8263.1. Priorities reference is EC

Section 8263(b).

Families can contact any Options for Learning representative for additional information by calling (626)856-5900 or via website www.optionsforlearning.org

Assembly Bill (AB) 2626 amended EC Section 8263.1. For priorities reference is EC Section 8263(b).

How much fluid do children need? The amount of fluid a child needs depends on many

factors including their age, the weather and how much physical activity they do, but generally they

should aim to drink about 6-8 glasses of fluid per day.

What are the best drinks for children? Water and milk are the best drinks for children.

Some drinks like milk and fruit juice provide vitamins and minerals. Drinking sugary drinks too of-

ten can lead to tooth decay, especially if consumed frequently between meals or if teeth are not

brushed regularly with fluoride toothpaste. Some drinks are acidic (e.g. fruit juice, squash and

some carbonated drinks) and this may cause dental erosion (damage to tooth enamel) if they are

drunk often. Soft drinks may contain caffeine which is a mild stimulant. Caffeine may affect chil-

dren’s sleep if consumed close to bed time.

Water - a good choice throughout the day because it hydrates without providing extra

calories or risking harm to teeth.

Milk is a useful source of nutrients, especially protein, B vitamins, iodine and calcium.

Most children should drink reduced-fat milks. Unsweetened, calcium fortified dairy alter-

natives can also be included. Milky drinks containing added sugars such as milkshakes,

hot chocolate and malted drinks should only be drunk occasionally.

Fruit and vegetable juices and smoothies provide some

vitamins and minerals. They contain free sugars and can be acidic

so it’s recommended to limit them to one small glass a day and keep

them to mealtimes. They can be diluted with water to reduce acidity and sugars content.

Infants and young children have a higher proportion of body water than adults. They are also less heat tolerant and may be more likely to get dehydrated, especially when being physically active and in hot climates. Encouraging children to drink fluids regularly is important as chil-dren may not remember to have a drink by themselves. It’s a good idea for anyone caring for children to make sure that drinks, particularly water, are available regularly through the day and that children are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids.

….continued from page 9

10 Nutrition, Nurture and News

Quarterly Calender

July 2019

July 10, 2019 Wednesday (9:00AM-4:00PM)-Pasadena Office- All Languages

“Provider Activity Day” 9:00am-4:00pm

July 30, 2019 Tuesday (9:30AM-8:00PM) Bald-win Park Office-All Languages

“Provider Activity Day” 9:30am-6:30pm/ “Provider Café” 6:30pm-8:00pm

August 2019

August 10, 2019 Saturday (10AM-11:30AM)-Baldwin Park Office-All Languages

“Options for Learning Back to School Event” 10:00am-11:30am

August 14, 2019 Wednesday (9:00AM-4:00PM)-Pasadena Office- All Languages

“Provider Activity Day” 9:00am-4:00pm

August 27, 2019 Tuesday (9:30AM-8:00PM) Baldwin Park Office-All Languages

“Provider Activity Day” 9:30am-6:30pm/ “Provider Café” 6:30pm-8:00pm

September 2019

September 11, 2019 Wednesday (9:00AM-4:00PM)-Pasadena Office- All Languages

“Provider Activity Day” 9:00am-4:00pm

September 24, 2019 Tuesday (9:30AM-8:00PM) Baldwin Park Office-All Languages

“Provider Activity Day” 9:30am-6:30pm/ “Provider Café” 6:30pm-8:00pm

Please go to www.optionsforlearning.org or http://www.ccala.net for complete calendar. To register for

workshop please go on www.caregistry.org/

Sugar-free drinks hydrate without adding extra sugars but it’s a good idea for most drinks to

be milk or water to avoid getting an increased taste for sweet drinks. Fizzy drinks can contain ac-

ids that can erode the outer surface of the tooth. Be aware that some of these drinks contain caf-

feine.

Sugary drinks are best avoided as they provide sugars and few nutrients. Fizzy drinks can con-

tain acids that can erode the outer surface of the tooth. Be aware that some of these drinks contain

caffeine.

Sports and energy drinks can be high in sugars and energy drinks may contain high levels

of caffeine or other stimulants. These drinks are not suitable for young children.

Practical tips to keep children hydrated Ensure children have a drink before school i.e. with breakfast, and during

breaks/playtime. Parents and Providers should offer drinks regularly, especially in hot weather. Always pack a water bottle in a school bag or lunchbox for children heading

off to school/outings/other activities.

Staff List

11 www.optionsforlearning.org

This newsletter was developed with the use of State funds and does not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the California

Department of Education

Legend:

R&R—Resource & Referral

**PO—Provider and Outreach Specialist

CC—Child Care

Paul Pulver Chief Executive Officer

Dolores Meade Chief Operating Officer

DIVISION STAFF

Kelly O’Connell Deputy Executive Director

Lissette Perez Administrative Secretary X 102

Andrea Chico Receptionist X 101

Maggie Reynoso Data Entry Assistant X 148

Jessica Delgado Data Entry Assistant X 176

Ariana Pantoja Data Entry Assistant X 168

Ana Collazo-Reyes Data Entry Assistant X 177

Lupe Ibarra Data Entry Assistant X 158

RESOURCE & REFERRAL

Norma Herrera R&R/Stage 1 Coordinator X 187

Kim Schaaf R&R Dept. Supervisor X 134

Zinnia Voong Community Liaison X 154

Julia Flores R&R Specialist X 136

Josie Medina R&R Specialist X 150

Miriam Ibarra R&R Specialist X 181

Caris Zhu R&R Specialist X 155

Betty Cerda CC Navigator Specialist X 149

Nancy Laris Trauma-Informed Care Advisor X 182

STAGE 1

Christie Quach Stage 1 Dept. Supervisor X 180

Melanie Lee Stage 1 PO** Specialist X 186

Ronald Callejas Stage 1 PO** Specialist X 191

Emily Wu Stage 1 Parent Specialist X 153

Trang To Stage 1 Parent Specialist X 185

Alicia Stearns Stage 1 Parent Specialist X 189

Elizabeth Elizondo Stage 1 Parent Specialist X 157

Ted Derosales Stage 1 Parent Specialist X 121

Andrea Orozco Stage 1 Data Entry Assistant X 143

Blanca Villeda Sr. Stage 1 Fiscal Assistant X 167

Rosa Barajas Stage 1 Fiscal Assistant X 146

Kathy Hua R&R Specialist Colocation

SUBSIDIZED CHILD CARE PROGRAMS

Candy Meade Subsidized Dept. Coordinator X 112

Rosa Melchor Subsidized Dept. Supervisor X 113

Monica Hernandez Subsidized Dept. Supervisor X 108

Natalie Trac Parent Specialist Supervisor X 132

Josie Nunez Parent Specialist Supervisor X 106

Jody Hernandez Senior PO** Manager X 141

Maricela Hurtado Senior PO** Manager X 144

Deanna Giron PO** Specialist X 127

Cynthia Nguyen PO** Specialist X 174

Patty Rivas PO** Specialist X 164

Annie Chau PO** Specialist X 199

Nancy Villegas PO** Specialist X 156

Patty Fajardo Sr. Quality Assurance Monitor X 161

Carol Mar Quality Assurance Monitor X 197

Julie Lee Quality Assurance Monitor X 196

Tiffany Luu Child Devt. Specialist X 171

Ernestina Estrada Child Devt. Specialist X 103

Yanet Garcia Child Devt. Specialist X 138

Ivonne Machon Child Devt. Specialist X 198

Samantha Mok Child Devt. Specialist X 126

Helen Rincon Child Devt. Specialist X 116

Savannah Cruz Child Devt. Specialist X 173

Mariana Ramirez Parent Specialist X 162

Winnie Hou Parent Specialist X 109

Connie Arteaga Parent Specialist X 120

Cynthia Chan Parent Specialist X 163

Maricela Molina Parent Specialist X 188

Claudia Kam Parent Specialist X 166

Ivy Fung Parent Specialist X 110

Tina Franklin Parent Specialist X 192

Trisha Van Mai Parent Specialist X 123

Angelica Sanchez Parent Specialist X 151

Joseph Rodriguez Parent Specialist X 131

Ruben Moreno Parent Specialist X 128

Sonya Garcia Parent Specialist X 115

Silvia Hernandez Parent Specialist X 140

Kitzia Zepeda Parent Specialist X 104

Sharon Wong Parent Specialist X 105

Jeanette Argota Parent Specialist X 107

Kean Yan Parent Specialist X 125

Kiana Trujillo Parent Specialist X 184

Frances Lee Parent Specialist X 163

Lila Lam Parent Specialist X 130

Yony Sosa Media & Tech. Manager X 179

Victor Tea Fiscal Manager X 117

Juanita Lopez Sr. Fiscal Assistant X 129

Rossana Jimenez Sr. Fiscal Assistant X 122

Angela Nguyen Sr. Fiscal Assistant X 147

Carmen Villalobos Fiscal Assistant X 119

Cecilia Romo Fiscal Assistant X 170

Noemi Macias Fiscal Assistant X 172

Amber Frausto Fiscal Assistant X 178

Maria Ramirez Fiscal Assistant X 118

Maricela Salgado Fiscal Assistant X 190

NUTRITION PROGRAM

(626) 338-4165

Terry Talavera Senior Coordinator X 628

Wendy Huynh Chinese Community Liaison X 640

Araceli Perez Senior Fiscal Assistant X 603

Silvia Chavez F-CCFP Sr. Specialist X 630

Karissa Correa Outreach Specialist X 632

Sylvia Bautista Outreach Specialist X 650

Violet Oquendo Outreach Specialist X 649

Daysie Cervantes Outreach Specialist X 609

PASADENA SATELLITE OFFICE

(626) 449-8221

Kenya Ruiz-Grande R&R Specialist Supervisor X 534

Mayra Campos Parent Specialist Supervisor X 531

Fatima Ramirez Receptionist X 500

Connie Aguilar Community Outreach Specialist X 526

Christina Fonseca Parent Specialist X 502

Dunia Sanchez Parent Specialist X 511

Cathy Rincon Parent Specialist X 508

Armida Rosario R&R Specialist X 532

Carol Stearns R&R Specialist X 537

Cynthia Rodriguez Quality Career Coach X 539

Emma Gonzalez Quality Career Coach X 504

Estefania Melendez Quality Career Coach X 540

Jocelyn Barboza Quality Career Coach X 520

Options for Learning

Baldwin Park Office:

13100 Brooks Drive, Suite 100

Baldwin Park, CA 91706

(626) 856-5900 or (562) 945-2635

Fax Number:

(626) 960-6083

Business Hours:

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday

8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Tuesdays: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm

Options for Learning

Pasadena Office: 2465 E. Walnut Street

Pasadena, CA 91107

(626) 449-8221

Fax Number:

(626) 449-1601

Business Hours:

Monday to Friday

8:30 am to 4:30 pm

- Child Care Services

13100 Brooks Drive, Suite 100

Baldwin Park, CA 91706

High-quality early learning and care programs can

have a lifelong, positive impact on young children

and their families. The first five years of a child’s life

are the most critical in their development, and it is im-

portant that children have the most supportive learn-

ing environment possible during that critical time.

Quality Start Los Angeles (QSLA), Los Angeles County’s Quality Rating and Improvement

Systems (QRIS), is part of a larger state and national movement to acknowledge and sup-

port early learning providers as they continuously elevate the quality of care for children

birth to five and their families.

QSLA aims to improve the program quality of participating centers and family child care

homes by offering instructional supports and incentives for programs, teachers and adminis-

trators to reach higher levels of quality. QSLA believes that parents play an important role in

their child’s early learning experience and seeks to help them better understand what to

look for when choosing a quality early learning and care program.

QSLA is funded by the California Department of Education (CDE), First 5 California and First

5 LA, serving state and non-state funded Infant/Toddler and preschool programs.