City of Long Beach Celebrates Completion of No-Cost Preschool at West Facilities Center

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PRESS RELEASE

Above from left: An image of a classroom at Un Mundo de Amigos' West Facilities Center location; City of Long Beach officials and Un Mundo de Amigos staff cut the ceremonial ribbon to celebrate the completion of West Long Beach's newest no-cost preschool.

Long Beach, CA - On Oct. 15, 2026, the City of Long Beach and Un Mundo de Amigos celebrated the completion of a new no-cost preschool at the West Facilities Center in West Long Beach with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by City officials, community leaders, early childhood education partners, families and residents. With limited access to early learning opportunities, West Long Beach stands to benefit significantly from the new preschool, giving families greater access to no-cost, high-quality early childhood education close to home.

"Today, we are celebrating more than the completion of a construction project, we are celebrating an investment in children, families and the future of West Long Beach," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "This new preschool will provide families with greater access to early learning opportunities and help ensure that our youngest residents have the strong start they deserve."

Located at 2125 Santa Fe Ave., the newly completed preschool transforms space at the West Facilities Center into a dedicated early learning environment with new classrooms and supporting spaces designed to provide a safe, engaging and enriching setting for preschool-age children.

The center will be operated by Un Mundo de Amigos Preschool and will serve about 50 young children ages 2 to 5 through full-and partial-day dual-immersion programming in English and Spanish. Services will be provided at no cost to families and supported by the California Child Care and Development Fund and California State Preschool Program.

"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 innovative, inclusive program including family support, outstanding staff and creative and natural space, creates a safe, welcoming environment where young children can learn, grow and feel supported."

The preschool supports the City's Westside Promise Initiative, a 10-year community investment plan focused on addressing current and historic challenges facing West Long Beach. Renovations at the West Facilities Center include installation of a new sprinkler system, upgrades to early childhood education learning spaces with new learning materials and room dividers, and replacement of the 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 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.

"Having a high-quality preschool right here in West Long Beach means families will have another place where their children can learn, grow and build a strong foundation for the future," said Vice Mayor and Seventh District Councilmember Roberto Uranga. "We are proud to celebrate this milestone with the community."

The project is funded through the Long Beach Recovery Act, with additional support from Measure A and a $1.8 million commitment from Un Mundo de Amigos Preschool. Un Mundo de Amigos' commitment has been secured through multiple sources, including grants from the W.M. Keck Foundation and The Rudolph J. and Daphne A. Munzer Foundation, as well as funds received from the State. The investment reflects the City's commitment to expanding access to early childhood education and supporting families in West Long Beach.

Un Mundo de Amigos Preschool is expected to welcome enrolled children beginning in mid-fall 2026. Interested families can learn more about our programs and enrollment process at unmundodeamigos.com.

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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