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The Associated Students, CSUF, Inc. recognizes that many of the people who wish to attend the University are parents of young children, and that in order to attend classes these people must arrange for affordable, quality child care. Therefore, the CSUF Children's Center has been established and operated, with Associated Student Inc. funds, for the purpose of making the educational opportunities at the University equally accessible to these parents of young children, regardless of sex, race, or financial status.

The CSUF Children's Center has a history going back to 1971, when it was initiated by a group of students and parents, with the support of the Associated Students Inc. Charmaine (Coker) Day, a student parent, was instrumental in establishing the program. It was located off campus in rented spaces for eight years. In June of 1979 the program moved, with the help of many parents, to its present location in 2 of the original "temporary" buildings on the University campus. These buildings are leased from CSUF.

In 1981 the Children's Center contracted with the California State Department of Education, Offices of Child Development and Nutrition Services to fund the child care and development services to low income student parents, and to provide breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack according the State's nutritional guidelines. As a result of these contracts, some financial support is provided to the Children's Center for these State agencies, and parents who are eligible (based on income) for financial support receive the services at a greatly reduced price. No family is charged for any of the meals, which are provided at the Children's Center, though the State support does not fully cover the cost of the food program. In 1996, CSUF students passed a fee referendum to raise funds to build a new Children's Center. Plans are currently being made, but no date for construction has been set. Additional California and U.S. Department of Education Funding was secured in 1999 and 2001.

In 2003, the University funded the construction of additional space at the Center to allow the program to offer up to 20 spaces to CSUF faculty and staff.

In 2004, the Children's Center earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). NAEYC is a leading organization of early childhood professionals. NAEYC accreditation demonstrates a committment to provide a high quality program for young children and their families.