Weather 
LEIMERT PARK, LOS ANGELES () — The USC School for Early Childhood Education will open its first infant center at Tom Bradley Global Awareness Magnet in Leimert Park in May. The center expands access to free, high-quality care for infants, toddlers and preschoolers in a community where affordable options are limited.
“Here at Tom Bradley, families will have access not only to early education, but to a full range of services, including health and development support, nutritious meals and individualized care plans for every student,” said Samuel Garrison, the senior vice president of University Relations.
Leaders say the new center comes in direct response to a community-needs assessment that revealed a critical shortage of no-cost early learning programs in South L.A.
“There are so many studies showing that these early start, head start programs truly make a difference for the children developmentally, in terms of their educational journeys, and it also makes such an impact on their families,” said Beong-Soo Kim, USC’s president.
The site will become USC’s ninth early education center, serving families across the region.
“It’s a win for children, a win for the families, and it’s a win for the community,” said Kim.
“USC School for Early Childhood Education is a federally and state-funded program,” said April Smith with the USC School for Early Childhood Education. “We’ve been in this community for over 50 plus years. We offer free preschool for the communities.”
A program founded in 1970, USC’s early childhood program is now ranked among the top in the nation, serving more than 200,000 children and families over the years. And for parents, the impact is immediate.
“The program has been very impactful for me,” said Jasmine Horton, a parent. “It’s been able to give me some wiggle room. The hours of operation have been great, it really helps.”
Officials say this new center is about more than child care — it’s about building a stronger future, starting from day one.
© 2026 Television,
