Parents urge council to keep Jim Gilliam childcare director; Councilmember Ridley Thomas promises follow-up

A group of parents and community members asked the Los Angeles City Council during public comment to keep Carol McAllister as director of the Jim Gilliam Childcare Center at Baldwin Hills Village. Speakers described McAllister as a long-serving director who helped families, expanded the program and secured grants.

Speakers told the council McAllister has led the center for more than eight years and that parents fear a transfer would harm continuity of care and services. Parents described purchases made personally by the director to maintain the facility, said the center grew under her leadership and reported that they had submitted a petition to keep her in place.

Councilmember Ridley Thomas acknowledged the parents in the chambers, said he had already met with some of them and told them he would follow up promptly. "I will be in conversation with them no later than Monday," Ridley Thomas said, adding he had asked the Department of Recreation and Parks to provide information.

No formal vote or personnel action occurred in the council meeting; Ridley Thomas committed to an expedited follow-up meeting with Recreation and Parks and with the parents to clarify the status and next steps.

Why it matters: Parents framed the issue as one of stability and child welfare at a community childcare center. Councilmember Ridley Thomas accepted responsibility to obtain information and report back to the parents.

What happens next: Ridley Thomas said he will contact Recreation and Parks and meet with parents by Monday to clarify whether a transfer is planned and what options exist.