Since 1856, Maryvale has been a pillar of support for children and families across Los Angeles. Rooted in compassion and dedication, Maryvale has built a legacy of empowering young learners to grow emotionally, socially, and academically. Its Early Childhood Education Program focuses on fostering creativity, child development, and social-emotional skills, providing a strong foundation for lifelong learning. 

Creating Safe and Nurturing Learning Environments

More than a place of education, Maryvale’s programs inspire confidence and joy in young learners by addressing their educational and emotional needs. This heartfelt approach transforms children's lives and strengthens families, setting everyone on the path to success.

A Legacy of Care: From Orphanage to Multifaceted Support

As Los Angeles’ oldest children’s charity, Maryvale has evolved over its 169-year history to meet the needs of vulnerable children and families. From its origins as an orphanage to becoming a community-focused organization, Maryvale now addresses the educational and emotional well-being of hundreds of children and families each year.

One milestone was the creation of Maryvale's Early Education Centers, which provide underserved communities access to quality early education. Alongside educational programs, Maryvale offers critical resources such as behavioral health services and trauma-informed care to ensure children’s academic and emotional success.

Foundations for Early Learning at Maryvale

Maryvale operates three Early Education Centers in Rosemead, Duarte, and South El Monte. The centers serve diverse age groups and offer unique opportunities. The centers follow the Creative Curriculum approach, which emphasizes experiential learning and encourages children to explore, discover, and engage with their surroundings.

The curriculum at these centers is carefully designed to promote child development. Using the Creative Curriculum approach, teachers focus on experiential learning, encouraging children to explore, discover, and engage with the world around them. Activities are tailored to be developmentally appropriate, ensuring every child has the tools to succeed.

Key Curriculum Features:

• Social and emotional skill-building: Teaching children to manage emotions and build positive relationships.
• Cognitive development: Encouraging problem-solving and critical thinking through hands-on activities.
• Language and literacy: Introducing reading and storytelling to spark curiosity and creativity.

In addition, Maryvale offers comprehensive wraparound services, connecting families to its mental health and adolescent substance use programs for holistic support. 

Cultivating Joy and Love for Learning

Maryvale’s compassionate approach ensures every child feels valued, confident, and inspired to succeed. Daily activities include:

• Language and literature learning centers: Introducing storytelling and books to encourage language development and imagination.
• Mathematics: Inspire young minds with hands-on activities that explore measurement, numerals, size, and quantity through engaging problem-solving tasks.
• Creative expression and dramatic play: Encouraging children to explore their creativity and build social skills.
• Science exploration and physical activities: Engaging young minds in hands-on learning while promoting physical health.

One parent, Brian, expressed his gratitude:

“The teachers genuinely care about my child’s growth and happiness. I’ve seen such a positive change in confidence and curiosity.”

Teachers as Pillars of Support

Maryvale’s teachers are the heart of its Early Education Centers.

Many hold advanced degrees and all teaching staff participate in professional development to expand their knowledge in the field of ECE. Their dedication to fostering emotional and academic growth ensures children thrive in a nurturing environment. Every teacher at Maryvale undergoes a rigorous background screening and participates in ongoing training to stay updated on best practices in early childhood education.

The teacher-student relationship is vital to Maryvale’s success. Teachers build trust and connections with their students, fostering a positive and nurturing environment. This personalized attention helps children feel supported and motivated to learn. Maryvale’s commitment to hiring qualified, caring educators ensures that every child receives the highest standard of care and instruction.

Impacting Families Through Early Education

Maryvale’s Early Education Program has made a measurable impact on the children and families it serves. From January 2024 through December 2024:

• 408 children were enrolled.
• 99% of families reported satisfaction with the program.

These outcomes highlight Maryvale’s commitment to creating a safe, joyful learning space for children while empowering families to achieve long-term success.

The Importance of Community Support

Maryvale’s mission thrives on the generosity of donors and supporters. Community contributions enable the organization to expand its reach, providing vital services ranging from early education to behavioral health programs. By supporting Maryvale, donors help create brighter futures for children and families across Los Angeles.

Maryvale is more than a classroom—it’s a community of care where children learn, grow, and thrive. With a focus on child development, kindness, and social-emotional growth, Maryvale transforms the lives of young learners.

If Maryvale’s mission inspires you, consider contributing or visiting our website to learn more about how you can make a difference.