Joy Picus Child Development Center

The Joy Picus Child Development Center is located in the heart of the Downtown Los Angeles Civic Center and has been a cornerstone of early childhood education and care for families since opening its doors in 1989. The center was established to provide high-quality childcare services in a convenient and supportive environment for working families, particularly employees serving the City of Los Angeles.

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In 1996, the center was officially dedicated to former Los Angeles City Councilmember Joy Picus in recognition of her unwavering commitment to children and families. Through her vision, leadership, and advocacy, Joy Picus played a pivotal role in pioneering one of the first childcare centers designed specifically to serve the needs of City employees. Her efforts helped highlight the importance of accessible, high-quality early childhood education and demonstrated the critical role that employer-supported childcare plays in strengthening families and communities.

 

Mount Washington Preschool and Child Care Center has been a proud partner of the City of Los Angeles in the operation of the Joy Picus Child Development Center. The organization first assumed responsibility for operating the center in 2001, bringing its commitment to excellence in early childhood education, family engagement, and child-centered learning to the Civic Center community. Today MWPCCC continues to operate and manage the Joy Picus Child Development Center in partnership with the City of Los Angeles. Through this longstanding collaboration, the center has maintained a tradition of providing exceptional care and educational services to children and families while supporting the childcare needs of City employees and the broader community.​