Early Childhood Education Program (ECEP)
The Early Childhood Education Program (ECEP) provides high-quality early learning and care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, serving UC Berkeley student parents, faculty, and staff. ECEP operates five centers across Berkeley, including the UVA Childhood Development Center right here at University Village Albany.
ECEP is also excited to announce the upcoming opening of a new Infant Development Center at University Village serving children 3 months to 24 months, designed to expand access for UVA families. Thanks to newly secured funding, the program will be able to offer subsidized spaces for income-eligible families.
As of November 2025, ECEP still has openings for full-time infant (ages 3–12 months) and preschool (ages 36–58 months) care for the 2025–2026 school year. Families interested in enrollment are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Subsidies Available for Student Parents
We reserve a number of spaces for the children of student parents in order to help student parents balance school, work, and family. Student parents who meet income and need eligibility may qualify for state subsidies for free or reduced fee child care. We strongly encourage student parents to apply for state subsidies if you may be eligible.
Why Choose ECEP:
- Convenient locations — including right here at University Village
- Offers a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment that sparks curiosity and helps to unlock the potential of each child
- Staffed by highly trained childhood educators who design projects that stimulate learning, encourage cooperation, and provide a sense of empowerment.
- More than 75 years of history in providing high-quality care that integrates cutting-edge child development research
- Year-round schedule, including the summer
- Excellent adult-child ratios aligned to best practices in the field
- Nutritionally balanced meals and snacks served daily
- Student parents who meet income and need eligibility may qualify for free or reduced-fee child care, based on a sliding income scale.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, with no application fee for students. Apply now.
The Bear Pantry
1050 Monroe St, Albany, CA 94706 | bearpantry.uva@berkeley.edu
The Bear Pantry is a free resource to all UVA residents and staff members. We offer groceries, hygiene products, and baby products when available. No registration is required and we do not require any proof of need. All you need to bring is your Cal ID and bags to carry your groceries! Click here for more information about the Bear Pantry including our hours.
Local Schools
University Village is located within the Albany Unified School District. Albany Unified School District is set up such that children may be enrolled in any school in the city. There are children from the Village in every school in the district.
The Albany Children’s Center is a year-round multi-cultural early childhood program of Albany Unified School District. It provides a full day program for preschool children ages 2.9 to 5 years. It also provides before and after school care for students in grades K-3 at each school site.
BANANAS is a nonprofit childcare referral and support agency serving the diverse families in Northern Alameda County, California. It provides free parenting information, workshops and referrals to family child care, child care centers, preschools, babysitters, in-home caregivers, nannies, and playgroups.