West Long Beach families will soon be able to access free preschool for their children at Admiral Kidd Park’s West Facilities Center.
The center is currently being renovated by the City of Long Beach and is expected to open in September. This no-cost preschool opportunity will enhance the City’s efforts to increase early childhood education access to families in West Long Beach.
Once open, it will be run by Un Mundo de Amigos and 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, funded by the California Child Care and Development Fund and California State Preschool Program.
“Every child in Long Beach deserves access to high-quality early learning opportunities,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “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.”
A young child plays a ring toss game during a National Night Out block party on Hill Street in Long Beach on Aug. 1, 2023. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)
The preschool renovation will be overseen by Un Mundo de Amigos Preschool. 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.
The program is also in line with Long Beach’s Westside Promise, a 10-year investment plan to address current and historic challenges facing West Long Beach. Renovations to the facility 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.
“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 in a public statement. “The improvements to this space will have a lasting impact, creating a safe, welcoming environment where young children can learn, grow and feel supported.”
West Long Beach has a significant shortage of licensed childcare, with existing providers able to serve less than 30% of local demand, according to the City of Long Beach. 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 (The Children’s Clinic) 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 in a public statement. “Investments like this directly support our Westside Promise and help ensure our youngest residents have safe, supportive spaces where they can learn and grow.”
Graffiti is seen on the ship-based playground equipment despite being behind fencing at Admiral Kidd Park on April 5, 2023. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)
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.
“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 in a public statement. “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 can visit 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.
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.
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