Brighter Futures Start with the Y
Gateway Child Development Center
The FOUNDATION For A BRIGHT FUTURE STARTS HERE
As a trusted leader in early childhood development, our programs provide high-quality, reliable, and safe childcare for your children. We prioritize building strong emotional bonds between children, families, and peers. By creating a safe and nurturing environment, we help children reach their full potential.
GENERAL PROGRAM INFORMATION
LICENSED PRESCHOOL SITE
Located in the heart of South San Francisco’s Oyster Point biotech and business corridor, the Gateway Child Development Center is a trusted early childhood education facility operated by Peninsula Family YMCA, a branch of the YMCA of Greater San Francisco.
Established in 2004 through a unique partnership between the Peninsula Family YMCA, the City of South San Francisco, the center is specifically designed to support the diverse needs of working families in the South San Francisco area.
Operating Schedule
Monday through Friday, year-round program.
Closed on major holidays.
Free Facility Membership
When you enroll your child at the Gateway Child Development Center, your family will receive a free Family Facility Membership to the Peninsula Family YMCA.
Ages & Classroom Ratios
| Classroom: | Age: | Ratio: |
| Ladybug Room | 3-12 months | 1 adult:3 children |
| Bumblebee Room | 12-24 months | 1 adult:4 children |
| Butterfly Room | 12-24 months | 1 adult:4 children |
| Koala Room | 2-3 years old | 1 adult:8 children |
| Monkey Classroom | 2-3 years old | 1 adult:8 children |
| Otter Room | 3-4 years old | 1 adult:12 children |
| Dolphin Room | 4-5 years old | 1 adult:12 children |
| Penguin Room | 4-5 years old | 1 adult:12 children |
Our Child Development Centers
The YMCA of Greater San Francisco has decades of experiences with creating nurturing environments for your child to grow and thrive.
Book a tour at Gateway Child Development Center:
Our Philosophy
Our primary focus for our Early Childhood Education program is to create and strengthen emotional bonds between children and families. We believe children need to feel emotionally and physically safe in their environment to reach their highest potential.
At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, we understand that children develop at different rates, and we incorporate that belief into every aspect of the program. We provide opportunities for children to engage in developmentally appropriate activities that focus on the child’s whole development, including social-emotional, physical health, language and literacy, and cognitive development.
Our Curriculum Statement
We believe that children learn best when they are having fun and are given opportunities to explore, experiment, investigate, and problem-solve through developmentally appropriate activities. Our teachers follow a curriculum framework that aligns with this philosophy. The curricula we use are grounded in scientific research and evidence-based practices, as well as in best practices in early childhood education. We incorporate Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP), the Program for Infant-Toddler Caregivers (PITC), the Creative Curriculum, and elements inspired by Reggio Emilia. These approaches are implemented in our programs through play, while also fostering a positive learning environment both indoors and outdoors.
Read our entire Early Childhood Education Curriculum Statement below:
Meet Our Dedicated Educators
Amy
Teacher | Infants
“I feel happy to work with infants. I enjoy caring for them, helping them learn, grow, and helping them feel safe, loved, and supported!”
Audrey
Coordinator | Preschoolers
“I am passionate about creating nurturing, engaging environments where children feel safe, valued, and supported. I believe strong relationships with children, families, and educators are the foundation for meaningful learning and growth.”
Jenny
Teacher | Infants
“I believe that providing children with love, positivity, and kindness helps them reach their fullest potential. My goal is to ensure their safety and healthy development, and to establish close communication with parents.”
Kristina
Lead Educator & Coordinator | Toddlers
“I believe the toddler stage is all about curiosity, exploration, and building independence in a safe and nurturing environment. My goal every day is to support each child’s growth, celebrate their little accomplishments, and help them feel loved, heard, and confident as they learn about the world around them.”
Krystal
Lead Teacher | Preschoolers
“I have worked in the ECE field for 9 years, growing from a substitute teacher to a lead teacher. I recently started going back to school to obtain my PK- 3rd Grade Teaching Credential.”
Linda
Teacher | Infants
“I believe in fostering a safe early childhood environment where children can freely explore their curiosity. My daily goal is to create a warm, welcoming space that empowers every child to learn, explore, and grow with confidence.”
Maria
Program Support | Infants
“My goal is to help children grow and expand their curiosity through learning.”
Melissa
Administrative Assistant | Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers
“I believe every child should feel safe, cared for, and have a sense of belonging. I strive to build meaningful relationships between families, teachers, and children from their first inquiry throughout their time in our program.”
Nali
Teacher | Infants
“I believe every child deserves to feel safe, loved, and supported while learning and growing. I enjoy building strong relationships with children and creating a caring, positive environment where they can explore, learn, and develop with confidence.”
Noelani
Coordinator | Infants
“I believe infants are capable, curious learners who discover the world through exploration and relationships. My goal is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where each child feels supported as they learn at their own pace.”
Rania
Teacher Assistant | Preschoolers
” I believe preschool children need to feel safe, secure, and confident in the classroom. Teaching social skills, such as, sharing, peaceful conflict resolution, and cooperative play. Introducing basic letters, sounds, counting, and vocabulary through daily reading and play.”
Shanna
Lead Educator | Infants
“I enjoy working with children and creating a safe, fun, and caring environment for them. I am patient and responsible, and I enjoy helping children learn, play, and feel comfortable. I want parents to feel confident knowing their children are in good care.”
Wenna
Teacher | Infants
“I like working with children and enjoy helping them learn and have fun. I’m patient, caring, and responsible, and I always want children to feel safe and comfortable around me.”
Xing Bin
Teacher | Infants
“My goal every day is to build trusting relationships with the young children by meeting their individual needs to ensure they feel safe, happy, loved, and ready to discover the world around them.”
Katia
Associate Executive Director of Early Childhood Education
“I believe high-quality early education thrives on strong family-teacher partnerships and hands-on, interest-led exploration in nature.”
Anne
Senior Executive Director of Early Childhood Education
“Over a 32-year career in early childhood education, I have advanced from substitute assistant teacher to Senior Executive Director across diverse sectors, dedicated to supporting children, families, and educators.”
Monthly Tuition Rates
Full Time Care Rates
$2,556 – Infants (3 months to 24 months old)
$2,127 – Toddler / Jr. Preschool Tuition (2 to 3 years old)
$1,804 – Preschool & Pre-K Tuition (3 to 5 years old/potty trained)
Full-Time Care Schedule Options
Mondays through Fridays
7:30 am-5:30 pm
7:45 am-5:45 pm
8:00 am-6:00 pm
Part Time Care Rates
Our part-time care rates are only available to preschool ages 2.5-5 years old.
$2,020 / 5 days a week, 6 hours per day – Toddler / Jr. Preschool Tuition (2 to 3 years old)
$1,743 / 5 days a week, 6 hours per day – Preschool & Pre-K Tuition (3 to 5 years old/potty trained)
Part-Time Care Schedule Options
Mondays through Fridays
7:30 am-1:30 pm
8:00 am-2:00 pm
8:30 am-2:30 pm
9:00 am-3:00 pm
Hot Lunch Monthly Rates
Limited funding available for Financial Assistance support.
Full Time: $125/month
Part Time: $88/month
Drop-In (7-14 Days): $88/month
Drop-In Care Rates
Limited space; families must call in advance for availability.
1-9 days: $125/day
10-19 days: $113/day
20+ days: $100/day
Parent Perk Alert: Free Family Facility Membership at Peninsula Family YMCA with enrollment at Gateway Child Development Center
SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Tuition Rate with Discounts
We offer a 20% sibling discount on the oldest child’s tuition and a 5% discount for a third child. Qualified families may also apply for Financial Assistance to help cover costs.
Our centers gladly accept alternative payment vouchers, though please note that tuition rates may change. Additionally, Active YMCA Facility Members enjoy exclusive discounts on monthly tuition and youth programs, including summer camp and youth sports.
Scholarships & Alternative Payments
The YMCA of Greater San Francisco accepts third-party vouchers (alternative payments) from providers such as Wu Yee, Children’s Council, DHSS, CalWorks, ELS, and 4Cs.
How to Enroll with Third-Party Assistance
Before you submit an enrollment request, please provide a certificate or contract of child services from your caseworker.
- Contact your caseworker to identify your preferred program and site.
- Submit your documentation to our team.
- Confirm your portion of any remaining tuition dues.
Please reach out to [email protected] for more information.
Billing & Payments
We collect monthly tuition 10 days before the first of each month. To maintain your enrollment, please set up an automatic draft.
- Late Fees: If we do not receive your tuition by the first of the month, we will apply a $50 late fee per child to your account.
- Returned Payments: We charge a $15 bank fee for all rejected childcare and education drafts.
- Deadlines: Please ensure you pay all tuition and late fees by the first of the month.
Financial Assistance: Open to All
The YMCA of Greater San Francisco welcomes everyone to our programs. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we offer financial assistance on a first-come, first-served basis. As an equal-opportunity provider, we strive to make our programs accessible to all families.
How to Apply
Scholarship amounts vary based on your household income, county, and program site. If you believe your family qualifies, please follow these steps:
- Complete our Financial Assistance application:
- Gather two types of income verification (see the form for accepted documents).
- Email your completed form and documents to [email protected]:
Keeping Your Financial Assistance Aid Current
If we awarded you assistance during the current calendar year, you do not need to reapply for new programs. However, if you have not yet received an award this year, please submit a new application. You can expect a response from one of our associates within approximately 15 business days.
Join Our Interest/Waitlist
Want to secure a spot at Gateway Child Development Center? Create your online Community Portal Account to sign up today. Please note that a non-refundable deposit is required when you submit your application. Click below to get started.
If you need support with your account, please contact our Member Services at [email protected]. Please include your area of interest and your current Y branch (if applicable) in the subject line of your email or call (415) 772-5500.
Daily Schedule
A typical day at our Early Childhood Education Centers consists of free play and exploration, reading, and rest time. Your child’s Program Director or Site Coordinator will provide more information regarding daily programming upon request.
| TIME | ACTIVITY |
|---|---|
| 7:30 AM | Center opens, free choice activities (hand washing upon arrival) |
| 8:30 AM | Clean-up, hand washing, and morning snack |
| 9:15 AM | Circle/music time |
| 9:45 AM | Small group/free choice play |
| 10:15 AM | Outdoor playtime |
| 11:15 AM | STEAM activity and hand washing |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch |
| 12:45 PM | Story time |
| 1:00 PM | Quiet/nap time |
| 2:45 PM | Afternoon snack |
| 3:15 PM | Outdoor playtime |
| 4:15 PM | Hand washing, small group/free choice play |
| 5:15 PM | Story/library/reading time |
| 5:30 PM | Clean-up time |
| 6:00 PM | Center closes |
Please note, this schedule is subject to change.
High Quality Care, Safe Learning Environment
Prioritizing Safety
We maintain fully licensed and secure facilities at all our Early Childhood Education Centers and Infant Care sites.
Trained, Expert Staff
Staff are CPR and First-Aid Trained, Live-Scan Background-Checked, and cleared.
Preschoolers Are Prepared for Academic Success
Preschoolers are ready to enter Pre-Kindergarten/Kindergarten.
Program Questions?
To enroll your child at the Gateway Child Development Center, please contact Anne Señores, at [email protected].
Free YMCA of Greater San Francisco Membership When You Enroll Today!
YMCA of Greater San Francisco
Early Child Education Locations
Alice Chalmers Preschool
Ages: 2 to 5 years old
⟟ San Francisco
Edwin & Margaret Lee Tung Lok Early Childhood Learning Center
Ages: 3 months old to 5 years old
⟟ San Francisco
Mission YMCA Preschool
Ages: 2 to 5 years old
⟟ San Francisco
Lutheran Church or Our Savior (LCOS) Preschool
Ages: 2 to 5 years old
⟟ San Francisco
Villa de Kapuso Child Development Center
Ages: Ages: 3 months old to 5 years old
⟟ San Francisco
The Tung Lok Early Childhood Learning Center, Gateway Child Development Center, and Villa de Kapuso Child Development Center have minimum and maximum ages of 3 months to 5 years old.
Lutheran Church of Our Savior Preschool, Alice Chalmers Preschool, and Mission YMCA Preschool have a minimum and maximum ages of 2 to 5 years old.
Our program hours of operation are 7:30 am to 6:00 pm.
We also offer optional extended hours. At the YGSF ECE Program, we believe that a ten-hour day is sufficient to support most families’ needs. However, we understand that some families may occasionally require additional care beyond the standard ten-hour day.
Optional extended care during regular operating hours may be available, subject to staffing and enrollment, during the requested time period. Families requesting extended care must submit a request to the Director at least 48 hours in advance.
Please contact the center’s Site Supervisor for more information.
Yes, when ratios allow, we can accept children for drop-in care. Our daily drop-in fee ranges based on the number of days for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. For families interested in drop-in care, please contact the program location for rates. The registration fee includes snacks and lunch for children over 18 months.
Please note that Community Care Licensing requires the mandatory paperwork to be submitted on or before the child’s first day of care (e.g., immunization records, emergency contact information, etc.).
Payments for daily drop-ins must be submitted two weeks in advance, prior to the day of service.
Please contact the center’s Site Supervisor for more information.
