Ranked among the top 10 childcare centers in Lynwood. Fewer than half of all centers in the city reach this level across our full 11-dimension scoring.
Most Compassionate
Earned the highest compassion score in Lynwood. This dimension captures how families describe staff empathy, how concerns are handled, and the emotional environment of the center.
Full Ranking Detail
childcareinfantpreschoolnonprofitat-risk
Ella Fitzgerald CDC is a CCLD-licensed Day Care Center (license #198017158, capacity 40) operated by Drew Child Development Corporation, a 35+ year South Los Angeles nonprofit serving infants through preschool at 2590 Industry Way in Lynwood. Part of a multi-site organization dedicated to at-risk children and families, it offers culturally sensitive, developmentally appropriate care with an emphasis on early STEAM learning, plus access to mental health support, trauma-informed programming, and child care subsidies. The center holds an Early Learning Seal and Candid Platinum Seal, and is one of few Lynwood providers with confirmed infant capacity. A recent CCLD complaint investigation and facility evaluation in August 2025 warrants verification of current status, and Glassdoor staff reviews averaging 2.4 out of 5 from 24 employees suggest below-average reported workplace satisfaction that families may want to assess during site visits.
Safety5.0
Curriculum6.0
Art / Music5.0
Infant care6.0
Kindergarten readiness5.0
Teacher quality6.0
Compassion7.0
Management5.0
Culture6.0
Extracurriculars5.0
Programs & curriculum
Curriculum & approach: Emphasizes early childhood STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics). Focuses on creating stimulating environments where educational experiences are always within reach.
Programs & activities: Programs supporting families with access to services, including mental health support, trauma-informed care, and child care subsidies. Specific enrichment activities are not detailed on the homepage.
What sets it apart: Holds an Early Learning Seal and Candid Platinum Seal. Operating since 1987, serving over 20,000 children and families annually across Watts-Willowbrook, Compton, and South Los Angeles.
Recognition of Excellence — Website Badge
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Top 10 in Lynwood
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: Ella Fitzgerald CDC / Drew Child Development Corporation -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/california/los-angeles/lynwood/ella-fitzgerald-cdc-drew-child-development-corporation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/rank-10-city.jpg" alt="Top 10 in Lynwood - Ella Fitzgerald CDC / Drew Child Development Corporation - Lynwood, CA" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Top 10 in Lynwood</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Ranked among the top 10 childcare centers in Lynwood. Fewer than half of all centers in the city reach this level across our full 11-dimension scoring.</span>
</span>
</a>
Most Compassionate
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: Ella Fitzgerald CDC / Drew Child Development Corporation -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/california/los-angeles/lynwood/ella-fitzgerald-cdc-drew-child-development-corporation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-compassion.jpg" alt="Most Compassionate - Ella Fitzgerald CDC / Drew Child Development Corporation - Lynwood, CA" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
<span>
<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Most Compassionate</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest compassion score in Lynwood. This dimension captures how families describe staff empathy, how concerns are handled, and the emotional environment of the center.</span>
</span>
</a>
This recognition is awarded independently by Creative Minds Montessori based on publicly available parent reviews and public records. Centers do not pay for or request these rankings. Scores reflect editorial synthesis of verified parent experience — not center marketing materials. Rankings are updated periodically as new reviews are analyzed.
