1978
Our Beginnings
Educator and activist Bea Gold founded the Children, Youth, and Family Services agency, one of the first private non-profit organizations to receive public funding to support programs for children with disabilities and special needs.
The organization that will eventually become Pathways LA is about ensuring that children with special needs are included and supported in early care and education programs. We believe in focusing on the strengths and abilities of each child, and we’re committed to meeting the needs of families and communities. We’re always striving to improve the quality of our programs, and we’re proud to set an example for others to follow.
1980
Pathways LA is excited to introduce the Resource & Action Project! This unique program is all about providing support and help to Head Start and other early care programs better to serve children with handicapping conditions and their families.
1984
Pathways LA is here to help working parents find the perfect childcare program for their little ones! We’re one of the specialized agencies in Los Angeles County that provide resources and support to help families locate high-quality childcare options. We’re also dedicated to training childcare providers so they can better meet the changing needs of families and communities.
1991
Pathways LA is excited to announce the West Hollywood Preschool Program opening in partnership with the City of West Hollywood and the Los Angeles County Office of Education! Many families face challenges when finding affordable, high-quality childcare and preschool education.
That’s why we’re stepping in to help provide a solution. Our program is designed to be inclusive and welcoming to all children, regardless of their background or abilities. We’re here to support low-income, working families, and we’re thrilled to be able to offer a heartwarming place where children can learn, grow, and thrive.
1996
When CalWORKs was enacted, Pathways LA saw an opportunity to make a positive impact on families receiving public assistance. We launched a special program to help these families find high-quality child care for their children while the parents work towards economic independence through jobs, job training, and school attendance.
2003
We’re officially changing our name to Pathways LA. Thanks to our excellent Board of Directors, who are dedicated and involved, we’ve become a leading agency for a unique initiative across the county. It’s all about increasing the capacity of childcare providers to better support children with disabilities and special needs. We call it the Special Needs Advisory Project, or SNAP for short.
Through SNAP, we’re creating unique training materials for childcare providers so they can better understand and meet the special needs of these children. We’re also helping parents find and maintain developmentally appropriate childcare placements for their children to thrive in a nurturing and inclusive environment.
Today
Pathways LA is all about helping families access high-quality and inclusive childcare services. We’re positively impacting thousands of families and children every year through our direct service programs, payment assistance programs, provider training activities, and referral and locator services.
Our amazing team of over 60 dedicated individuals reflects the linguistic and cultural diversity of the families we serve, ensuring we can connect with and support families from all walks of life. We’re proud to work with over 950 childcare providers, providing them with the training and support they need to offer the best care possible.