Damian Jones has served as head of school for the Center for Early Education since July. (photo courtesy of Trish Alison Photography)

The Center for Early Education, a private independent school located at 563 N. Alfred St. in West Hollywood, has welcomed Damian Jones as its new head of school.

The school serves children from toddlers through sixth grade. Jones, who started as head of school in July, previously served as head of school at the Edmund Burke School in Washington, D.C., and as an administrator and faculty member at multiple campuses in the Chicago area.

“I am looking forward to learning all I can about the history, community, culture and curriculum of the Center for Early Education, and to supporting our faculty and staff in the critical work they do in providing our students with access to excellent, child-centered learning experiences,” Jones said.

The Center for Early Education has a long history in the local community. It was started in 1939 by a group of professional psychoanalysts who had started a playgroup for their children at a home in Hancock Park, according to the school’s website. The founders were passionate about beginning student learning at a young age, at a time when the preschool concept was in its early stages. The school focused on developing each child’s early education based on their individual needs and learning pace. The mission is the same today, with the personalized learning approach remaining an integral component of the curriculum. The Center for Early Education has a student population of approximately 540, and students come from more than 60 zip codes throughout the Los Angeles area.

The school has also modernized its campus, completing the final phase of a major transformation project in 2020. Classrooms and community spaces reflect the school’s educational philosophy and interconnected approach to learning.

The Center for Early Education is accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year through Dec. 1. The first step is to submit an inquiry, and the admission process involves a virtual open house and on-campus interview. Financial aid is available. For information, call (323)651-0707, or visit centerforearlyeducation.org.