Renee Ybarra became the Coordinator for Early Childhood Education at Orange Unified School District (OUSD) last November. Since then, she has seen significant growth in the school district’s Learning Link program, a drop-in play session for infants to 5-year-olds and their parents or caregivers.
“The Learning Link program existed, but we were able to really expand in this last year,” she explains.
What began as just a handful of sites has expanded to 36 sessions across 16 locations and served more than 300 families during the 2023-24 school year. In response to a high demand by parents, OUSD launched the county’s first-ever Summer Learning Link and provided programming to over 100 families across six weeks. Families came from Tustin, Anaheim, and other county regions to participate in the OUSD Summer Learning Link program. The program’s success goes beyond the volume of participants, as it also created meaningful engagement between parents and children.
“In our program, parents can engage with their children on a deeper level, beyond simply observing them play; they are provided with an opportunity to foster more meaningful connections and ask questions to staff,” says Ybarra, emphasizing the value of these interactions.
Parents have expressed similar praise for the Learning Link, highlighting its diverse activities, opportunities for socialization, and the supportive staff on-site. “We appreciated the range of activities that promoted both fine and gross motor skills and having the extremely helpful staff available to answer our questions,” commented one parent. Participation in Learning Link also allows parents to understand their children’s developmental milestones; families can compare their child’s progress to their peers.
“Being in a setting with other kids is great socialization for both the child and the parent. It allows them to notice the other kids’ progress and realize maybe their child isn’t at that point yet, is that something I need to be concerned about?” says Ybarra.
Parents can consult the on-site staff with their concerns. This holistic approach to early education ensures families feel supported, connected, and prepared for the next steps in their child’s educational journey.
Heading into the 2024-25 school year, the OUSD Learning Link program continues to expand, now offering 60 weekly sessions across 16 sites, with plans to add another location soon. In just the first eight days, 165 families had already registered. This growth is attributed not just to increased locations but also to the program’s reputation among families.
“It’s been extremely positive and engaging for families,” said Ybarra. “It’s a great entry point into the district for young families, allowing them to develop a positive relationship with the school before they even get to TK or kindergarten.”
The 2024-25 Learning Link locations across Orange County are now available on the First 5 website. Explore the interactive map today to find a Learning Link near you!