Exploring Life & Business with Katie Kang of Kehillah Early Learning Center & Services LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Kang.

Katie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Kehillah Early Learning Center was born from the philosophy of making lemonade out of lemons. In May 2025, during the week of my son’s Bar Mitzvah and just as I was beginning my doctoral dissertation research and writing, I was unexpectedly laid off. While the timing was far from ideal, the subsequent job search revealed a gap in the landscape: the inclusive, multi-population early childhood program I was looking for simply didn’t exist nearby.

Drawing on years of experience in both Jewish and secular youth and family programming, I realized it was time to build that “home” myself. With the unwavering support of my husband, Matt, and our children, Sophia and Mason, the vision for Kehillah began to take shape.

While the word Kehillah might sound Hawaiian, it is actually the Hebrew word for “community.” Leveraging my Master’s and Doctoral work in Early Childhood Education Leadership from American Jewish University, I developed a mission and curriculum rooted in Reggio-inspired practices. We weave Jewish values—which are, at their core, universal human values—into every aspect of our culture.

We found our perfect home at Temple Beth El in San Pedro. Located on West 7th Street, our center backs up to the charming Weymouth Corners. This allows our children to walk to the local bakery, flower shop, and post office weekly, turning the neighborhood into a living classroom that reinforces our namesake: community.

Kehillah was truly built by the village. To prioritize sustainability, my family and I sourced high-quality materials through “Buy Nothing” groups and local second-hand shops, keeping usable goods out of landfills. After navigating the rigorous state and city licensing process, we officially opened our doors as a licensed center in January 2026.

Today, we are defined by our incredible staff and families. Our educators embody the Reggio philosophy and bring deep experience in working with diverse populations. Whether we are in the classroom during the week or at community events on the weekend, our goal remains the same: to provide a high-quality, inclusive space where every child belongs.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to opening our doors was not without its hurdles. Navigating the complexities of state and city bureaucracy required a level of persistence that tested every ounce of my resolve. During the long months of managing timelines, Title 22 policies, and the inevitable administrative delays, I often leaned on the wisdom of the poet Alexander Pope: “To err is human; to forgive, divine.”

I quickly learned that while I had to be the “squeaky wheel” to keep the process moving, I couldn’t afford to let the missteps of others derail my mission. I had a business to launch and a community to build; my energy had to stay focused on the future.

This experience actually reinforced a core pillar of our school’s philosophy. Inspired by my mentor, professor, and friend, Dr. Tamar Andrews, we practice a simple but profound rule: “When we mess up, fess up, clean up, and make it right.” This isn’t just how I navigated the licensing process—it is the standard of accountability and integrity we model for our children every day. At Kehillah, we view mistakes not as roadblocks, but as opportunities to demonstrate character and community care.

We’ve been impressed with Kehillah Early Learning Center & Services LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Kehillah Early Learning Center & Services is more than just a school; it is a vibrant ecosystem where every child is celebrated as the protagonist in their own story. Founded on the belief that children are the architects of their own learning, we provide an immersive, Reggio-inspired environment designed to serve the diverse Jewish and secular communities of the South Bay. We envision a future where every child sees themselves as a capable, creative thinker—a resilient lifelong learner who views the world with wonder.

We are open Monday-Friday from 7:30am-6:00pm with a variety of schedule options to meet each families’ needs.

Our values are the quiet strength behind everything we do. We believe in Child Agency, recognizing the innate capability of every child to lead their own journey through independence and self-expression. This growth happens within the context of Kehillah (Community)—a warm, collaborative environment where families and educators grow alongside one another. We intentionally nurture Curiosity and Creativity, viewing a child’s natural sense of wonder as the essential spark for lifelong discovery. These interactions are anchored by Jewish Values such as Kavod (respect), Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), and Chesed (kindness), which serve as a universal moral compass for all families, regardless of background.

While many programs follow a static curriculum, Kehillah is defined by an evolving, project-based approach. Our curriculum is a thoughtful tapestry woven from Reggio Emilia principles and timeless values, empowering children to be active participants in their education.

We view the Environment as the Third Teacher. Our location in San Pedro’s Weymouth Corners isn’t just a backdrop; it is our classroom. By engaging weekly with our local “village”—from the bakery to the post office—we transform abstract concepts of citizenship into lived experiences. This framework sparks critical thinking while prioritizing the “soft skills” that form a hard foundation for life: self-regulation, social-emotional competency, and perseverance. We ensure our graduates are not just “kindergarten ready,” but life ready.

Our dedication to an inclusive community extends deeply to children who thrive with additional support. We are dedicated partners in your child’s journey, working hand-in-hand with their entire support team, including therapists, Regional Center coordinators, school districts, and pediatricians. This collaborative spirit allows us to craft individualized plans and offer the unique benefit of allowing specialists to provide services throughout the day, right here at Kehillah. By bringing these supports into the school setting, we ensure every child has seamless, equitable access to their learning environment alongside their peers.

Brand-wise, we are most proud of our uncompromising integrity. From our founding—navigating the complexities of licensing with tenacity—to our commitment to sustainability by outfitting our center with upcycled materials, our brand represents “heart meets grit.” We model the same accountability we teach: “When we mess up, fess up, clean up, and make it right.”

What truly distinguishes Kehillah, however, is our commitment to a “circular” model of success. We are currently establishing a nonprofit arm designed to receive a portion of our annual net proceeds, ensuring that our growth directly reinvests in the South Bay. This foundation will serve as a permanent engine for community advancement by providing scholarships for children and parents, offering professional grants for early childhood educators, and funding programmatic innovations like integrated STEAM and therapeutic services.

By choosing Kehillah, families aren’t just paying for childcare—they are participating in a mission that uplifts teachers, empowers parents, and ensures that high-quality, inclusive education is accessible to all. When you join us, you aren’t just enrolling in a school; you are finding a home where your child is seen, your family is heard, and your community is built.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Those who know me well know that I have always been a risk-taker. When I set my mind to a vision, I don’t let obstacles stand in my way; I view challenges as puzzles to be solved rather than reasons to stop. Building Kehillah has been the ultimate expression of that drive. Throughout this journey, I have navigated a balance of calculated strategy and bold leaps of faith—with the understanding that building something truly meaningful requires both a thick skin and a clear heart.

My approach to risk is rooted in deep research. Drawing on my experience writing federal Head Start grants, I utilized data from advocacy agencies and birth rate projections to map the landscape of San Pedro. I identified “childcare deserts” where families were underserved and analyzed zip-code-specific funding initiatives. I knew the need was there, but I also understood the inherent risks: shifting unemployment rates, the rising cost of living, and the expansion of Universal Pre-K and TK programs.

I have watched as school districts, often motivated by funding rather than developmental best practices, launch programs led by administrators who may lack a foundation in early childhood education. Entering this competitive space was a risk, but it was one I took because I believe families deserve more than just an available seat—they deserve a program built on expertise, formation, and specialized developmental practices.

Beyond the data, there is the personal investment. My husband and I chose to use our own savings to fund Kehillah’s operations until the school is solvent. This is more than a financial decision; it is a profound vote of confidence in the San Pedro community.

Regardless of external shifts in the economy or education policy, I remain steadfast in my belief that high-quality, inclusive education is an evergreen need. At Kehillah, we aren’t just betting on a business; we are betting on the idea that when you provide a space where children are truly seen and families are authentically supported, the community will rise to meet it.

Pricing:

• We accept childcare subsidy funding from Children’s Home Society, Connections for Children, Crystal Stairs, and Regional Center funding.
• Pricing varies based on schedule

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.myKehillah.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mykehillah/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyKehillah/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mykehillah/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kehillah-early-learning-center-san-pedro
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/MyKehillah/

Image Credits
Emily Bryan