RAMONA, CA (March 30, 2026) – Children’s Paradise, Inc. (CPI), a leading childcare provider serving working families in San Diego County, today announced the start of construction on a new early learning center in Ramona, expanding access to high-quality, affordable childcare. A groundbreaking ceremony took place March 27, 2026, attended by many partners and community members.
Located at 1721 Main Street, the new center will serve up to 230 children and will create approximately 60 permanent jobs. Developed and soon to be constructed by the Ramona-based company, Woodcrest Homes, Inc., the $10.4 million project will transform a former public safety training site into a modern, purpose-built early education facility. The Ramona facility will be approximately 12,400 square feet on 1 acre of land, with a nostalgic façade of an old Ramona schoolhouse, complete with a school bell.
“This new Early Childhood Education Center will provide Ramona families with reliable, high-quality childcare close to home,” said San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson. “We know how critical accessible and affordable childcare is for our community, with many households having two working parents. This beautiful center will ensure our kids are set up for success when they enter school.”
Construction begins in March 2026, and the facility is expected to open in early 2027.
“Every family deserves access to high-quality childcare and support – and we are passionate about meeting the needs of working families,” said Julie Lowen, CEO of Children’s Paradise. “This new center in Ramona represents our commitment to meeting families where they are and ensuring children have the strong start they need to succeed in school and in life.”
California Senator Brian Jones issued a Proclamation in honor of the Ramona project, which was presented by a representative to Lowen at the event. Lowen thanked many partners in her remarks, including First 5 San Diego, San Diego County Office of Education, Low Income Investment Fund, California Department of Social Services (CDSS), California Department of Education (CDOE), and Small Business Administration (SBA).
“Access to high-quality early care and education is foundational to a child’s development and a family’s ability to thrive. In rural communities like Ramona, where options are limited, expanding access is not just important – it’s essential,” said Alethea Arguilez, Executive Director of First 5 San Diego.
“We commend Children’s Paradise for investing in this community and helping ensure that our littles enter school ready to learn and succeed in life while supporting working families across San Diego County.”
Children’s Paradise currently operates eight centers across North County serving 1,500 children, and plans to expand to 2,000 children including the new Ramona location and an Escondido site. The organization’s programs are consistently rated among the highest in the state, with Tier V Quality Counts ratings, 5-star QRIS designation, and national accreditation.
Children’s Paradise specializes in serving all families with dignity and excellence. Of its enrolled children, 94% receive subsidies based on family income and more than 100 have special needs. All children served by Children’s Paradise experience consistent, high-quality care in an integrated, inclusive environment.
Beyond early education, Children’s Paradise provides comprehensive support to families, including food distributions, clothing closets, referral to social services, and transportation between school and care – helping working parents remain in the workforce and strengthening the regional economy.
Children’s Paradise is highly rated by families, with 98% of parents reporting being “very satisfied” in regular surveys.
The expansion comes amid a critical childcare shortage. In San Diego County, there is only one licensed childcare slot for every two children under five, and some communities have access rates below 20%, according to the San Diego County Child Care Blueprint. Supply falls far short of demand, particularly in rural and inland communities like Ramona.
Interested families can begin their application at https://childrensparadise.com/ramona-preschool
