Early Care and Education

"ECE has supported our family by giving our baby girl, Claire, a safe, loving, and joyful place to grow. At the UV Center, she learns new skills, builds confidence, and discovers how to interact with the world in ways that are hard to recreate at home. As new parents, we are also deeply grateful for the teachers, who have been patient and responsive whenever we had questions or moments of panic.
 
ECE has truly given us a sense of community. We are especially thankful to Nikki, Kasey, Debby, Adalia, and Roxanne for their constant support and care. Their dedication has made us feel connected, welcomed, and always comfortable reaching out.
 
One of our most meaningful memories was the Sea Turtle Open House. Claire was so excited, silly, and joyful that day, running and dancing in circles, which showed us a beautiful side of her we had never seen at home. In that moment, we knew ECE is her second home, and we feel incredibly grateful to be part of this community." - Zhang Family 

"ECE has been such a meaningful part of our family's journey. Both of out children started there at 1.5 years old, and the teachers and admin made what felt like a scary first transition feel seamless and supportive. They've guided them through milestones like potty training, learning to sit and eat independently, and making friends, all with patience and care. We've seen so much confidence and growth in the kids being there, and we truly attribute that to the wonderful teachers and nurturing environment." - Iris C. 

"Our family moved to the U.S. last July, which was a big change for us. It was a difficult transition for Donghoon because he had to face a new language while still learning Korean. I was very worried because he cried every morning, and it really broke my heart. However, the ECE teachers always reassured me, saying, "Donghoon can do it." Their support helped both of us feel safe and comfortable in this new environment.

After six months, the change is amazing. At first, Donghoon didn't like it when I spoke English to him, but now he is singing songs and answering in English. It’s truly wonderful to see. Beyond just language, ECE has helped him learn important rules and good habits. I can see him growing more confident and independent every day.

I am so happy that I chose ECE for Donghoon during this important time in his life. It has given us a true sense of belonging and peace of mind. As a parent, I am deeply thankful to everyone in ECE for helping Donghoon adapt so well and for making his early years so meaningful." - Choi Family

"Our child LOVES to go to 'school' every morning and she is sure to update us on what she has done during the day. Her development and social skills have skyrocketed. Our child was born with a congenital disorder necessitating a feeding tube; with therapies she eventually learned to eat by mouth. We selected and enrolled her at Krieger when she turned 2 for a number of reasons: (1) the extended hours, (2) proximity to work and (3) the food. We hoped that seeing her peers eat the same foods at mealtime would encourage her to eat more and it did; she was able to have her g-tube removed ~7 months after enrollment. We are incredibly grateful for Krieger for multiple reasons, for example: (1) peace of mind knowing she is well cared for, that her social-emotional and cognitive development are being nurtured, (2) the time it affords us to work, and (3) the connections: the teachers, directors, staff and families are all so friendly." - Veena S.

"All 3 of our kids have been at UV. We have no family in Los Angeles and UV has been our kids steady home and support system throughout a world pandemic and through ups and downs in our lives. Our older kids who are now in school still have incredible relationships with the teachers and staff and have a special place in their hearts for ECE." - Orly B. 

"Without the support of funding, I would not have been able to send my children to school. When spaces became available for staff children and the timing aligned with my pregnancy with my first child, it truly felt like everything fell into place when we needed it most. Our family was overwhelmed with gratitude.

From 4 months old to now 4 years old with my oldest, I am so deeply grateful for the teachers and staff who have walked alongside us through this young and wild season of parenthood. Their patience, care, and dedication in supporting our children with everything they need and more has meant the world to our family.

ECE has given me the rare and beautiful opportunity to grow professionally while also growing as a parent, knowing my children are nearby, safe, loved, and supported. Being able to work while remaining close to my children has brought me peace, reassurance, and a deep sense of belonging.

Having our village at ECE, surrounded by coworkers, colleagues, and friends, has been an incredible blessing. This community has supported our family through some of our most meaningful moments, and I am endlessly thankful for the care, compassion, and connection that ECE provides. It truly feels like home." - Kim Family 

"Although my son is a "graduate" of UCLA ECE, UV for twenty years now, I am so grateful for the dedicated, caring professionals who supported us both through the joys and challenges of infancy and toddlerhood. Twenty years later, I still have a book of pictures and descriptions of his days in child care that makes me smile a special, sentimental smile. The teachers reassured me that my child would be safe and well-cared for, even as I worried about sunscreen, wearing a sweater, and eating enough. Practices were in place to support breastfeeding and protect the health and welfare of all the children. Caregivers were diligent and maintained open, honest, heartfelt communication. When I arrived at pick-up, the paint stains on his clothing and scent of the rosemary in his hair from the bushes on the yard let me know that fun adventures had filled each day. He was an early reader and I attribute part of that to all of the staff members who catered to his persistent demands to "read da book".
They graciously sang Old MacDonald over and over again, even though I'm sure they could not get it out of their own heads when they lay their head on the pillow each night. The caregivers' early lessons on "gentle touches" helped to shape a kind young man who is so very sweet with children and animals. I truly believe that the curriculum of UCLA ECE laid a foundation for curiosity and investigation for a career in math and sciences as well as an openness to a variety of cultural perspectives and meaningful communication. When we left, I toured 25 pre-school programs and never quite found that second home that UCLA ECE, University Village had come to be for all of us. Furthermore, without child care at that incredibly vulnerable point in time, I would likely not have been able to continue to pursue my chosen profession and support our life in sunny California. Thank you UCLA ECE for creating a community that will forever hold a special place in our family's hearts." - Mary W.

"University Village Early Care and Education ECE has been absolutely critical to our family’s success and peace of mind. The high standards upheld by the ECE are exactly what we expect from UCLA rigorous thoughtful and developmentally excellent yet delivered with deep personal care compassion and connection. That level of quality combined with genuine warmth creates not just exceptional early education but a trusted environment where families can truly thrive.
The support provided by the ECE through caregiving curriculum and connection is especially vital for families navigating the intense demands of UCLA programs. This is particularly true for a community of parents who come not only from across the United States but from around the world often far from family and familiar support systems. The ECE creates a sense of belonging and shared understanding that is essential to our success as parents and as UCLA students. The relationships formed here allow us to support one another share experiences and feel less alone in what can otherwise be an overwhelming journey.
We moved more than 2000 miles away from any support system and as non traditional learners I can say without a doubt we would not have been able to stay here without University Village ECE. I work full time in a demanding senior management role and my husband is a medical student with an even more inflexible and intense schedule. Having the ECE onsite makes our lives not just possible but sustainable. While many families find ways to make it work the convenience and consistency of this care make it truly doable for us.
Beyond logistics the heart of University Village ECE is its people. The staff are educators and caregivers we know love and deeply trust to watch over our most precious boy. The saying that it takes a village has never felt more true to me and that is exactly what the ECE represents. It is a community built on trust care and shared purpose and it is a cornerstone of our family’s ability to succeed and build our future at UCLA." - Colette W. 

"We love sending our son to ECE. He has learned so much since starting there, and we’ve seen tremendous growth in his development and confidence. Being able to work full time without worrying about his well-being gives us such peace of mind, knowing he is cared for in a safe and nurturing environment.

The teacher-to-student ratio is excellent, and I truly feel that my son receives meaningful interaction and attention from his teachers. It’s clear how much he enjoys school—he comes home excited, talking about his classmates and teachers every day. We are so grateful to be part of the ECE community." - Gina J. 

"I have worked at ECE for 29 years. I started when my kids were 2 and 4 in 1996. I had another child in 2003 and now I have 6 grandkids. ECE has helped me with raising my own children by teaching me how to better parent them. ECE also helped me become a better teacher teaching me how to understand more about children's development. It has been a pleasure being apart of the ECE team." - Teacher Kristi 

"ECE at University Village welcomed me to the team almost 10 years ago. I started as a teacher, became a Lead Teacher, and today I serve as a Director. During this time, I've experienced how ECE fosters a culture of care - not only for the children and families we serve, but also for the educators, who make this work possible. 

ECE has supported me both as a professional and a mother. I've had the privilege of enrolling my own son at University Village, where he receives the same high-quality education and care that the families in our program receive everyday. 

The staff child care funding has been life-changing. Without the endowment support that helps offset childcare costs for my staff, my husband and I would not have been able to afford care. Because of that support, I've been able to continue doing the work I love while knowing my child is learning and thriving in this community." - Kasey Vice, Director

"Working at ECE University Village as a student worker changed my life. I started out having little to no experience working with children and left with a profound sense of respect for not only children, but childcare providers as well. Coming into work never felt like a job - rather it felt like a rich opportunity to be apart of the first few years of these children's lives. Working at ECE helped prepare me for UCLA's Applied Developmental Psychology minor as well as influence my interest in becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am incredibly indebted to the wonderful families and staff member who have changed my life for the better. ECE is a critical piece of the village that it takes to nurture a child." - Madison M., Student Worker