UCLA Early Care and Education (ECE) Transition – Families FAQ
After careful consideration, UCLA has made the difficult decision to discontinue operation of the Early Care and Education program effective June 30, 2027, including both the University Village and Krieger centers.
This decision reflects UCLA’s need to focus its resources on the university’s core mission of teaching, research and public service. It is not a reflection on the quality, commitment or dedication of ECE teachers and staff.
UCLA is announcing this decision nearly one year in advance because we recognize that finding the right childcare takes time. Many childcare providers begin tours and admissions well before the start of a school year, and early notice gives families more time to understand their options, plan ahead and make the decisions that are best for their children.
Both the University Village and Krieger centers will continue operating through Wednesday, June 30, 2027.
Yes. Your child’s current enrollment is not affected by this announcement. The centers will continue operating throughout the 2026–27 program year, through June 30, 2027.
UCLA remains committed to providing safe, nurturing and high-quality care throughout the transition period.
No. Your child’s current enrollment is not affected. However, we encourage families to begin planning early given the timelines associated with childcare enrollment and admissions.
UCLA will provide transition assistance to help families explore alternative childcare options. Information about how to access these services will be provided in the coming weeks. If you have any questions in the meantime, please reach out to ECETransition@ucla.edu.
UCLA will provide childcare transition assistance to ECE families at no cost.
Beginning in mid-September 2026, each family will be able to schedule up to one hour with a childcare transition navigator who can help identify potential childcare providers, explain available options and provide referrals and other information to support the family’s search.
Additional information about scheduling will be shared with families before the service begins.
UCLA cannot guarantee placement with an independent childcare provider. The transition assistance is intended to help families identify and explore potential options as they plan for future care.
UCLA recognizes that some families may secure alternative childcare before June 30, 2027. Additional information regarding enrollment and withdrawal during the transition period will be shared as those details are finalized.
UCLA plans to continue operating both centers through June 30, 2027. Staffing may change during the transition period, and the university will continue working to maintain safe operations, required staffing levels and continuity of care.
Yes. UCLA will continue operating in compliance with California licensing requirements, including applicable teacher-to-child ratios.
UCLA remains committed to providing safe, nurturing and high-quality care throughout the transition period.
Families will receive updates through email, the ECE website and other transition communications as additional information becomes available.
Families with questions may contact ECETransition@ucla.edu. Additional information and updates will also be available through the ECE transition website.
Yes. UCLA has made the decision to discontinue operation of the University Village and Krieger centers effective June 30, 2027. The university’s focus now is on supporting children, families and employees throughout the transition.
ECE’s financial position was among the factors considered as UCLA evaluated the program and its long-term operations. The decision reflects a broader assessment of university priorities and the need to focus resources on UCLA’s core mission of teaching, research and public service.
UCLA considered available alternatives before reaching this decision. After reviewing those options, university leadership determined that continuing to operate ECE beyond June 30, 2027, is not sustainable.
The university’s focus is now on maintaining high-quality care through the coming year and providing families with time and resources to plan for their future childcare needs.
UCLA Early Care and Education (ECE) Transition – Employees FAQ
After careful consideration, UCLA has made the difficult decision to discontinue operation of the Early Care and Education (ECE) program after June 30, 2027, including both the University Village and Krieger centers.
We recognize the impact this decision will have on ECE employees and the families and children you serve. This decision is not a reflection on the quality, dedication or contributions of ECE employees.
UCLA has carefully reviewed the ECE program and the resources required to continue operating it. After exploring available options, the University determined that continuing the program is not sustainable and that resources need to be focused on UCLA’s core missions of teaching, research and public service.
We know this is difficult news, particularly for employees who have dedicated years of service to ECE and the UCLA community.
UCLA is providing nearly one year of advance notice to give employees as much time as possible to understand and prepare for the transition, while also giving families time to plan for future childcare.
No. This announcement is not a layoff notice and does not change your current employment status.
Any formal employment actions or notices will be communicated separately in accordance with University policy and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
UCLA intends to continue operating the University Village and Krieger centers through June 30, 2027. Employees should continue performing their current responsibilities and supporting the children and families in our care during the transition.
Additional information about employment processes and timelines will be shared by the department, as it becomes available.
Any required notices will be provided in accordance with University policy and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
We understand employees will have questions and may need support as they process this announcement.
Human Resources and Employee & Labor Relations representatives will be available to answer employment-related questions. Employees will also have access to the Staff and Faculty Counseling Center, which can be reached at (310) 794-0245, and may contact their union representatives, if applicable.
Beginning today, the following resources are available:
- Human Resources and Payroll Operations Center (HRPOC): Charlyn Lynton-Estrada, Senior HR Business Partner, clyntonestrada@chr.ucla.edu or (310) 825-4753
- Employee & Labor Relations: Sara Haider, Manager of Employee Relations, shaider@chr.ucla.edu or (310) 794-0858
- Staff and Faculty Counseling Center: (310) 794-0245
- Meetings with your direct supervisor or leadership for immediate questions
Families are receiving information directly from UCLA about the closure and the transition resources available to them.
If families have questions about the transition, please direct them to ECETransition@ucla.edu. Employees should continue communicating with families as usual about children’s care, classroom activities and other day-to-day operations.
UCLA intends to continue providing safe, nurturing, high-quality care through June 30, 2027. We know continuity will be important to children, families and employees throughout the coming year, and UCLA will continue working with ECE leadership and staff to support operations during the transition.
Staffing needs may change during the transition period, including through normal attrition. UCLA will continue working to maintain safe operations, required staffing levels and continuity of care.
Employees will be informed directly of any changes that affect their employment.
Questions about your individual employment circumstances should be directed to the appropriate Human Resources or Employee & Labor Relations contact:
- Employee & Labor Relations: Sara Haider, Manager, Employee Relations shaider@chr.ucla.edu or (310) 794-0858
- Human Resources: Charlyn Lynton-Estrada, Sr. HR Business Partner clyntonestrada@chr.ucla.edu or (310) 825-4753
- Staff and Faculty Counseling Center: (310) 794-0245
- Questions about the overall ECE transition may be sent to ECETransition@ucla.edu.