Early Child Education Division

The Education Division offers services that are structured to provide culturally sensitive, developmentally appropriate curricular activities for children and their families. Our philosophy is based on the assumptions that parents are the primary teachers, that parental support in educational programs is essential, that a team approach provides both parents and teachers collective exchange, and that the team must advocate on behalf of children. We are aware that in order to reach our goals we must work cooperatively with parents, sharing in our mutual interest in the child.

Drew Child Development Corporation believes that it is the responsibility of all adults to support, nurture, guide and educate young children. To that end, our centers provide developmentally appropriate curricula. Teachers respond to the children in ways that demonstrate knowledge of their stage of development and an appreciation of individual needs. We believe that each child is unique and deserves respect, consistency, caring and a challenging environment to grow for optimal developmental growth and that history and culture are important for children to gain a clear sense of self.

Child Development Sites

Drew Child Development Corporation operates four (4) full-day sites and one part-day childcare site for parents who are working, in school, and/or in training programs. The centers provide opportunities for toddlers and preschoolers that promote physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language development.  In addition, the nutritional meals provided to all the children promote healthy development and create healthy awareness under professional supervision.

• Johnnie Tillmon Child Development Center is the oldest and largest childcare center in the community, and cares for children 18 months to 5 years of age located on the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Campus.
• Vivian Weinstein State Preschool is a part-day school, which services 40 children 3.9 to 5 years of age. The program integrates children with developmental disabilities into traditional preschool classrooms and provides a humanistic and developmental approach, which meets the individual needs of children and families served.
• 92nd & Maie Child Development Center. This center-based program, located in Watts, provides services to 54 children, 18 months to 5 years of age. Twelve of the children are served in an early intervention program for the developmentally disabled.
• Stellar Child Development Center is located within the Compton Transit Center. A total of 60 children ages 18 months to 5 years are served at this site.
• Drew Child Development Center located at 79th & Broadway in Los Angeles, is our new state of the art center which provides services to children 18 months to 5 years.

Resources Link [Information for Parents and Providers]

Early Intervention Programs

Drew Child Development Corporation offers several programs to meet the developmental requirements of young children with special needs and their families. The Home-Based program provides in-home, family-focused early intervention services for developmentally disabled infants 0-18 months. The Toddler Program provides a center-based mainstreaming program for developmentally disabled children who live within the boundaries of the City of Los Angeles services are provided in the childcare centers.

Alternative Payment Program

Drew Child Development Corporation provides payment for childcare to families who meet eligibility requirements through our CALWORKS Stage I and Stage II Programs. We provide services for families transitioning from welfare to work.  Alternative Payment Program - Stage One (brochure)