Learning Links opens inclusive preschool in Redwood City

Learning Links opened a new inclusive early childhood education center at Elco Yards in Redwood City, adding full-day care for infants through transitional kindergarten students on the Peninsula. The site is designed to expand access for working families and children with developmental delays or disabilities, including autism, while offering state-subsidized preschool spots.

Why it matters: - The new Redwood City site adds child care capacity in a market with a shortage of infant and toddler care. - The center is built to serve children with a range of developmental needs, including autism, in a mainstream learning environment. - State-subsidized preschool slots are intended to reduce cost barriers for working families.

What happened: - Learning Links held a ribbon-cutting on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, at its new inclusive early childhood education center at Elco Yards in downtown Redwood City. - The event ran from 10 a.m. to noon at 200 Lathrop Street, Suite 102, Redwood City, California 94063. - Scheduled speakers included San Mateo County Supervisors Lisa Gauthier and Jackie Speier, Redwood City Vice Mayor Kaia Eakin, Bryan Neider of AbilityPath, Christine Padilla of Build Up San Mateo County, and Carol Miller of Learning Links. - The facility is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The details: - The center serves infants, toddlers, preschoolers and transitional kindergarten students. - Full-day, year-round care is available for up to 74 children. - The program prioritizes at least 10 California State Preschool Program subsidies. - San Mateo County awarded a $200,000 grant for furniture, fixtures, equipment and materials. - The new location is Learning Links’ fifth inclusive preschool site on the Peninsula, according to AbilityPath CEO Bryan Neider. - Each Learning Links location includes a Developmental Specialist who coaches teachers in real time inside the classroom. - The facility is positioned as a model for “Inclusive by Design” early education.

Between the lines: - The opening blends child care expansion with a broader inclusion strategy, signaling that access and developmental support are being treated as part of the same service. - The county grant and public remarks from local leaders show strong civic backing for more affordable early education options. - By placing the preschool inside a mixed-use downtown development, Learning Links is linking early learning access to urban redevelopment.

What's next: - Learning Links will continue operating the Redwood City center as part of its Peninsula network of inclusive preschools. - AbilityPath said the site advances its focus on the early years of child development and its long-term support model for families. - The organization directs families to more information at the Redwood City location page.