WELCOME TO OUR WEBSITE

M.A.W. Children’s Center is located in the City of Lakewood, next to Mayfair Park, at the Burns Community Service Center, 5510 N. Clark Avenue.


Established in 1971, M.A.W. Children’s Center has been providing quality care and early childhood education to children and families for more than 50 years.


We provide a safe, nurturing and welcoming environment where children can learn, grow and develop through play and age-appropriate experiences. Our dedicated teachers are committed to supporting each child’s individual needs and helping children build confidence and a love of learning.


We are proud to serve the Lakewood community and look forward to welcoming your family to M.A.W. Children’s Center.

  • Children at Playground — Children's Center in Lakewood,, CA

    Children at Playground — Children's Center in Lakewood,, CA

  • Group of Children — Children's Center in Lakewood,, CA

    Group of Children — Children's Center in Lakewood,, CA

  • Children coloring with crayons at table — Children's Center in Lakewood,, CA

    Children coloring with crayons at table — Children's Center in Lakewood,, CA

  • Inside the Children's Center — Children's Center in Lakewood,, CA

    Inside the Children's Center — Children's Center in Lakewood,, CA

  • Group of Children coloring with crayons at table — Children's Center in Lakewood,, CA

    Group of Children coloring with crayons at table — Children's Center in Lakewood,, CA

  • Children eating meal — Children's Center in Lakewood,, CA

    Children eating meal — Children's Center in Lakewood,, CA

  • Boy playing colorful balls — Children's Center in Lakewood,, CA

    Boy playing colorful balls — Children's Center in Lakewood,, CA

OUR HISTORY

M.A.W. (Mother’s At Work) Children’s Centers are educational centers for young children operated by M.A.W., Inc., a private, nonprofit, tax-exempt California corporation.


M.A.W. Children’s Centers were founded in 1971 with support from St. Mary’s Medical Center of Long Beach, Memorial Hospital Medical Center of Long Beach and Dr. Ida Pearce, President of M.A.W., Inc. M.A.W. was one of the original centers in the Long Beach area to offer infant care. Today, we provide preschool care and education.


M.A.W. Children’s Center currently operates one location in Lakewood. We offer a full-day program Monday through Friday for children ages 2 through entry into first grade. Children do not need to be toilet trained to enroll.


Our curriculum provides children with age-appropriate learning experiences in language development, early literacy, math, science, health and safety, art, music, physical development and dramatic play. Each month, children explore new themes through hands-on activities, stories, creative experiences, movement and play. Our outdoor environment also provides opportunities for physical activity and large-muscle development.


Our teachers are trained in early childhood education and are encouraged to continue their professional development. Each classroom is staffed according to state licensing requirements to provide children with appropriate supervision and care.


Breakfast, lunch and two snacks are served daily.


M.A.W. Children’s Center is licensed by the California Department of Social Services and meets all applicable licensing requirements.


License Number: 191601006


The Center Director, Shelia Palmer, oversees the daily operations of the Center and works with teachers to support curriculum planning and meet the individual needs of each child.


Hours of Operation:
Monday–Friday
6:45 AM–5:30 PM