City to Add No-Cost Preschool to West Facilities Center in West Long Beach

City of Long Beach
Public Information Office
411 W. Ocean Blvd,
Long Beach, CA 90802
www.longbeach.gov

Above: The City of Long Beach has begun renovation efforts at the West Facilities Center to transform the site into a no-cost preschool.

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department), in partnership with the Departments of Economic Development & Opportunity, Public Works and Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM), has begun renovation efforts at the West Facilities Center, located at 2125 Santa Fe Ave. next to Admiral Kidd Park. The project, estimated to open in September 2026, will add a no-cost preschool to the site that expands access to early childhood education for families in West Long Beach.

"Every child in Long Beach deserves access to high-quality early learning opportunities," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "By bringing multiple supportive services together in one convenient location, we are expanding access to early education in West Long Beach while strengthening long-term support for children and families."

The program supports the City's Westside Promise Initiative, a 10-year community investment plan to address current and historic challenges facing West Long Beach. Once open, it will serve 37 children ages 2 to 5 with full- and partial-day dual-immersion programming in English and Spanish. Services will be provided at no cost to families, supported by the California Child Care and Development Fund and California State Preschool Program. Renovations will include a new sprinkler system, upgrades to early childhood education learning spaces with new learning materials and room dividers, and replacement of existing play yard with a new play structure.

West Long Beach has a significant shortage of licensed childcare, with existing providers able to serve less than 30% of local demand. The new preschool, which will be operated by Un Mundo de Amigos, will help fill this gap by expanding access to early learning and care for families in the area. The facility will be co-located with existing services, including a TCC Family Health clinic and a Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) office, supporting children's health and development while helping parents pursue employment and education opportunities.

"I'm proud to see another initiative bringing vital resources and opportunities to the children of West Long Beach," said Vice Mayor and Seventh District Councilmember Roberto Uranga. "Investments like this directly support our Westside Promise and help ensure our youngest residents have safe, supportive spaces where they can learn and grow."

The renovation project was approved by the Long Beach City Council on Sept. 10, 2024. Since then, the City has completed site evaluations, permitting and design planning. The preschool renovation will be overseen by Un Mundo de Amigos Preschool, which will also operate the program when it opens in fall 2026. The $2 million project is funded by the Long Beach Recovery Act, with additional support from Measure A and contributions from Un Mundo de Amigos Preschool.

"By investing in early childhood education alongside health and nutrition services, we are creating a supportive environment that addresses the holistic needs of children and families," said Health and Human Services Director Alison King. "This remodel represents a meaningful step toward improving long-term health, educational outcomes and economic stability in West Long Beach."

Families seeking options before the new preschool opens are encouraged to explore available programs through the Long Beach Early Learning Hub at TheHubLB.org, which connects residents to early childhood education opportunities across the city and will include future enrollment information for Un Mundo de Amigos Preschool.

"This project reflects the dedication and collaboration of many partners who share a commitment to children and families in Long Beach," said Founder and President of Un Mundo de Amigos Laurie Petersen. "The improvements to this space will have a lasting impact, creating a safe, welcoming environment where young children can learn, grow and feel supported."

The program aligns with the City's Early Childhood Strategic Plan and commitment to racial equity by prioritizing support for communities most impacted by racism, poverty and trauma.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

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