Easterseals Southern California Encinitas Child Development Center – Head Start & Early Head Start

Easterseals Southern California Encinitas Child Development Center – Head Start & Early Head Start offers Head Start and Early Head Start programs for two-through-five year olds. The program operates in a brand new, state-of-the-art Child Development Center with nine large classrooms, an expansive and inclusive outdoor learning area, a full prep kitchen for on-site meals, a vegetable garden, an observation room for parents, a multi-use space for trainings and parenting classes, and an infant outdoor learning area under construction. The center is considered more than a Child Development Center and is described as a Family Support Center that cares for the whole family unit, with nutrition assistance, parenting resources, parent advocacy committee meetings, access to a Family Service Worker (FSW), a food pantry, and a parent engagement curriculum.

• Ages: 2–5 years old

The Easterseals Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Encinitas are described as the only Head Start and Early Head Start providers in Leucadia, Encinitas and Solana Beach, and they are currently welcoming new students for the 2024 school year. The program is committed to providing the most critically underserved populations and their children in North San Diego with a quality and specialized experience and serves the communities of Encinitas, Leucadia, Solana Beach, and surrounding cities. Leadership for the center includes Karen Rojas, Regional Director of Child Development Services, and Kelly Lapadula, Digital Marketing Manager for Easterseals Southern California.

Community involvement includes a partnership with Neighborhood House Association to provide fresh, multicultural meals for the children. Corporate partner PNC provided each teacher with $200 Lakeshore Learning gift cards, books, and “We Can Learn Outdoors” activity kits, and support from community members and corporate partners made the Encinitas Child Development Center possible.

“Everyone from our staff to our kiddos and parents are thrilled with our new, state-of-the-art Child Development Center in Encinitas,” said Karen Rojas, Regional Director of Child Development Services. “With more classrooms, multi-uses spaces, and enhanced learning opportunities, this location allows us to support our families in even more impactful ways than before,” said Karen Rojas. Parent Lesly Castillo shared, “The new center is a better location and space for the children, and I am excited about the support it will offer. It will impact my child’s learning and growth because he has the attention and confidence to express himself in any situation.”

Last updated July 8, 2026.