Pacific Oaks Helps Distribute Nearly $2 Million to Childcare Sites Ahead of Eaton Fire Anniversary

As the one-year anniversary of the Eaton Fire approaches, Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School in Pasadena has helped distribute nearly $2 million to 43 childcare sites.

Pacific Oaks worked with the Childcare Directors Alliance, the City of Pasadena, Save the Children, and the Pasadena Community Foundation to provide funding ranging from $900 to the established cap of $45,000, according to statement issued on behalf on the institution.

Pacific Oaks College has drawn on its network of relationships in the early childhood sector over the past year to provide direction, funding and support to local childcare providers. The statement also said the school served as a distribution center for childcare providers and families in the immediate aftermath of the fire.

According to the statement, Alana Lewis of Auntie Lana’s Daycare, whose site was damaged and “barely survived the fire,” was able to rebuild and continue providing childcare support for families in the area.

The disaster destroyed or damaged an estimated 50–60% of childcare facilities in Altadena, eliminating 1,842 childcare spaces in a community already facing shortages in early childhood education. Dozens of home-based childcare providers lost both their homes and their businesses at the same time, according to media and research.
The research also documented that 34 childcare facilities were destroyed in the Eaton Canyon area and four more sustained damage. As of January 25, 2025, 284 childcare facilities countywide were non-operational due to ash, debris, power outages, or lack of potable water.

One report found that 40% of childcare providers in Altadena lost their homes, and many operated family childcare homes that served as both their residence and their livelihood.