ESCONDIDO, Calif. (August 5, 2026) – Children’s Paradise Preschool & Infant Centers has opened its third location in Escondido at Iglesia Bautista Fundamental, a nearly $3 million investment that will provide 141 child care spaces for North County families.
The new Central Escondido campus is the organization’s ninth center in San Diego County, with a tenth location already under construction in Ramona. With approximately 94% of enrolled families receiving child care subsidies based on income eligibility, every new Children’s Paradise center expands access to affordable, high-quality early learning while connecting working families to the programs and community resources that help children thrive.
The approximately 8,000-square-foot campus at 221 W. 7th Avenue includes two freestanding buildings on a local church property. The front building, which opened July 27, serves 77 children, while a second building, expected to open in the spring, will add 64 additional spaces, along with a commercial kitchen and staff lounge.
“Opening our third Escondido center is about much more than creating new preschool spaces,” said Julie Lowen, Founder and CEO of Children’s Paradise. “It’s an opportunity to serve more families with an approach that goes beyond the classroom. From the moment they walk through our doors, we strive to be a trusted resource throughout their child’s formative years.”
The campus features a newly constructed playground designed to encourage outdoor learning and active play. The project also included ADA accessibility improvements to the church campus.
“Children’s Paradise has been a trusted partner of Escondido for decades, and I was proud to help move this project forward,” said Escondido Mayor Dane White. “Their work goes beyond early childhood education by connecting families with the resources, support, and opportunities they need. Expanding that impact is a win for our entire community.”
“Partnering with Children’s Paradise has been a wonderful opportunity to expand how our church serves the community,” said Pastor Noe Rivas. “We’re excited to work alongside a respected early learning provider to serve local families while creating a more welcoming and accessible place for everyone who visits our campus.”
San Diego County faces a lack of available licensed child care slots in the region, and significant portions of Escondido are classified as child care “deserts,” according to the San Diego County Child Care Supply Map provided by the YMCA of San Diego County Childcare Resource Service.
“Increasing access to affordable, high-quality early education takes strong community partnerships,” said Alethea Arguilez, Executive Director, First 5 San Diego. “We recognize the positive impact of Children’s Paradise in creating more opportunities for young children to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning while helping working families succeed. Our littles and their families deserve the best; I am so proud of the work led at Children’s Paradise.”
About Children’s Paradise
Children’s Paradise, Inc. provides early childhood education and care for children throughout San Diego County. Since 1987, the organization has helped children build the skills, confidence, and curiosity needed to succeed in school and beyond through play-based learning and family-centered programs. For more information, visit childrensparadise.com.
