USC Opens Free Infant Care Center in South LA

New early childhood education facility aims to address shortage of affordable childcare options.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:37am

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of young children playing and learning in a sunlit classroom, with soft, blurred edges and a warm, inviting color palette.The new USC infant care center will offer free, high-quality early learning programs and support services to families in South LA.Los Angeles Today

The USC School for Early Childhood Education is opening its first infant care center at the Tom Bradley Global Awareness Magnet in Leimert Park, Los Angeles in May. The new center will provide free, high-quality early learning programs and a range of support services for infants, toddlers and preschoolers in a community where affordable childcare options are limited.

Why it matters

The opening of this new USC infant care center addresses a critical shortage of no-cost early learning programs in the South Los Angeles area. Research shows that high-quality early childhood education can have significant developmental and educational benefits for children, as well as provide crucial support for families.

The details

The new infant care center will be the ninth early education facility operated by USC's School for Early Childhood Education, which has served over 200,000 children and families across the region since 1970. The center will offer free preschool, nutritious meals, individualized care plans, and access to health and developmental support services.

  • The new USC infant care center will open in May 2026.
  • USC's early childhood education program has been serving the community for over 50 years.

The players

USC School for Early Childhood Education

A federally and state-funded early education program operated by the University of Southern California, ranked among the top in the nation.

Tom Bradley Global Awareness Magnet

The elementary school in Leimert Park, Los Angeles where the new USC infant care center will be located.

Samuel Garrison

The senior vice president of University Relations at USC.

Beong-Soo Kim

The president of the University of Southern California.

Jasmine Horton

A parent whose family has benefited from USC's early childhood education programs.

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What they’re saying

“Here at Tom Bradley, families will have access not only to early education, but to a full range of services, including health and development support, nutritious meals and individualized care plans for every student.”

— Samuel Garrison, Senior Vice President of University Relations, USC

“There are so many studies showing that these early start, head start programs truly make a difference for the children developmentally, in terms of their educational journeys, and it also makes such an impact on their families.”

— Beong-Soo Kim, President, University of Southern California

“The program has been very impactful for me. It's been able to give me some wiggle room. The hours of operation have been great, it really helps.”

— Jasmine Horton, Parent

What’s next

The new USC infant care center is scheduled to open in May 2026, providing free early childhood education and support services to families in the South Los Angeles community.

The takeaway

This new USC early learning center represents a significant investment in supporting the developmental and educational needs of young children in an underserved community, while also providing crucial assistance to local families struggling with the high costs of quality childcare.