BRIGHTER FUTURES START AT THE Y

Alice Chalmers Preschool

670 Brunswick Street, San Francisco CA 94112
(415) 831-2700
Toddler girl posing for picture with an adult woman

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

The Alice Chalmers Preschool is in collaboration with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. The park recently underwent renovations in 2020 and reopened in July 2020. 

Ages & Classroom Ratios

Panda Bear Room
Ages: 2–3.5 years old
1:12 children

Grizzly Bear Room
Ages: 3.5–5
1:12 children

Operating Schedule

Monday through Friday, year-round program.

Closed on major holidays.

Our Child Development Centers

The YMCA of Greater San Francisco has decades of experience creating nurturing environments where your child can grow and thrive.

Book a tour at Alice Chalmers Preschool:

Young girl playing on children's outdoor play structure

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:

Monthly Tuition Rates

YMCA Facility Members

$2,306 – Preschool I / Jr. Preschool Tuition (2 to 3 years old)
$2,115 – Preschool II / Preschool & Pre-K Tuition (3 to 5 years old/potty trained)

Community Participants

$2,766 – Preschool I / Jr. Preschool Tuition (2 to 3 years old)
$2,358 – Preschool II / Preschool & Pre-K Tuition (3 to 5 years old/potty trained)

Please Note: The Parent/Guardian must have an active YMCA Facility Membership upon registration and throughout the program enrollment. If you cancel your YMCA Facility Membership during your program enrollment period, you will be charged the Community Member monthly rate. Active Facility Members receive additional benefits, such as discounts on afterschool programming, summer camps, and more. 

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

If you live in San Francisco, your family may qualify for scholarships or significant tuition discounts at our local program sites. Our current offerings include:

  • Full Scholarships
  • Up to 50% Off Childcare Tuition

We include free meals with every program enrollment. If your household does not qualify for a scholarship, you can still save 20% on tuition by maintaining an active YMCA Facility Membership (San Francisco sites only).

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. Income-eligible families may also apply for Child Care Scholarships (MRA funding).

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.

  1. Contact your caseworker to identify your preferred program and site.
  2. Submit your documentation to our team.
  3. Confirm your portion of any remaining tuition dues.

Please reach out to Katia Alvarez at [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:

  1. Complete our Financial Assistance application:
  1. Gather two types of income verification (see the form for accepted documents).
  2. 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 Waitlist

Want to secure a spot at Alice Chalmers Preschool? Create your online Community Portal Account to sign up today. We collect a non-refundable deposit when you submit your application.

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.

TIMEACTIVITY
7:30 AMCenter opens, free choice activities (hand washing upon arrival)
8:30 AMClean-up, hand washing, and morning snack
9:15 AMCircle/music time
9:45 AMSmall group/free choice play
10:15 AMOutdoor playtime
11:15 AMSTEAM activity and hand washing
12:00 PMLunch
12:45 PMStory time
1:00 PMQuiet/nap time
2:45 PMAfternoon snack
3:15 PMOutdoor playtime
4:15 PMHand washing, small group/free choice play
5:15 PMStory/library/reading time
5:30 PMClean-up time
6:00 PMCenter 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?

Contact Katia Alvarez, Associate Executive Director of Early Childhood Education at [email protected] or (415) 452-7566.

YMCA of Greater San Francisco

Early Child Education Locations

Edwin & Margaret Lee Tung Lok Early Childhood Learning Center

Ages: 3 months old to 5 years old

San Francisco

Gateway Child Development Center

Ages: 2 to 5 years old

⟟ South 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

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Alice Chalmers Preschool

<span class="tribe-address"> <span class="tribe-street-address">670 Brunswick Street</span> <br> <span class="tribe-locality">San Francisco</span><span class="tribe-delimiter">,</span> <abbr class="tribe-region tribe-events-abbr" title="California">CA</abbr> <span class="tribe-postal-code">94112</span> <span class="tribe-country-name">United States</span> </span>
(415) 831-2700

March 19 All day

Sunset Parkway
Novato, CA 94949 United States

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Alice Chalmers Preschool

<span class="tribe-address"> <span class="tribe-street-address">670 Brunswick Street</span> <br> <span class="tribe-locality">San Francisco</span><span class="tribe-delimiter">,</span> <abbr class="tribe-region tribe-events-abbr" title="California">CA</abbr> <span class="tribe-postal-code">94112</span> <span class="tribe-country-name">United States</span> </span>
(415) 831-2700

March 19 All day

Sunset Parkway
Novato, CA 94949 United States

← Back to Events & Classes

Alice Chalmers Preschool

<span class="tribe-address"> <span class="tribe-street-address">670 Brunswick Street</span> <br> <span class="tribe-locality">San Francisco</span><span class="tribe-delimiter">,</span> <abbr class="tribe-region tribe-events-abbr" title="California">CA</abbr> <span class="tribe-postal-code">94112</span> <span class="tribe-country-name">United States</span> </span>
(415) 831-2700

March 19 All day

Sunset Parkway
Novato, CA 94949 United States

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Alice Chalmers Preschool

<span class="tribe-address"> <span class="tribe-street-address">670 Brunswick Street</span> <br> <span class="tribe-locality">San Francisco</span><span class="tribe-delimiter">,</span> <abbr class="tribe-region tribe-events-abbr" title="California">CA</abbr> <span class="tribe-postal-code">94112</span> <span class="tribe-country-name">United States</span> </span>
(415) 831-2700

March 19 7:00 am 8:30 am

65 Chenery Street
San Francisco, CA 94131 United States

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Alice Chalmers Preschool

<span class="tribe-address"> <span class="tribe-street-address">670 Brunswick Street</span> <br> <span class="tribe-locality">San Francisco</span><span class="tribe-delimiter">,</span> <abbr class="tribe-region tribe-events-abbr" title="California">CA</abbr> <span class="tribe-postal-code">94112</span> <span class="tribe-country-name">United States</span> </span>
(415) 831-2700

March 19 7:00 am 9:00 am

1250 Waller St
San Francisco, CA 94117 United States

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Alice Chalmers Preschool

<span class="tribe-address"> <span class="tribe-street-address">670 Brunswick Street</span> <br> <span class="tribe-locality">San Francisco</span><span class="tribe-delimiter">,</span> <abbr class="tribe-region tribe-events-abbr" title="California">CA</abbr> <span class="tribe-postal-code">94112</span> <span class="tribe-country-name">United States</span> </span>
(415) 831-2700

March 19 7:30 am 8:15 am

380 Webster St
San Francisco, CA 94117 United States

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Alice Chalmers Preschool

<span class="tribe-address"> <span class="tribe-street-address">670 Brunswick Street</span> <br> <span class="tribe-locality">San Francisco</span><span class="tribe-delimiter">,</span> <abbr class="tribe-region tribe-events-abbr" title="California">CA</abbr> <span class="tribe-postal-code">94112</span> <span class="tribe-country-name">United States</span> </span>
(415) 831-2700

March 19 7:30 am 8:15 am

2725 California St
San Francisco, CA 94115 United States

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Alice Chalmers Preschool

<span class="tribe-address"> <span class="tribe-street-address">670 Brunswick Street</span> <br> <span class="tribe-locality">San Francisco</span><span class="tribe-delimiter">,</span> <abbr class="tribe-region tribe-events-abbr" title="California">CA</abbr> <span class="tribe-postal-code">94112</span> <span class="tribe-country-name">United States</span> </span>
(415) 831-2700

March 19 7:30 am 8:30 am

260 Madrid Street
San Francisco, CA 94112 United States
(415) 689-9577

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Alice Chalmers Preschool

<span class="tribe-address"> <span class="tribe-street-address">670 Brunswick Street</span> <br> <span class="tribe-locality">San Francisco</span><span class="tribe-delimiter">,</span> <abbr class="tribe-region tribe-events-abbr" title="California">CA</abbr> <span class="tribe-postal-code">94112</span> <span class="tribe-country-name">United States</span> </span>
(415) 831-2700

March 19 7:30 am 9:20 am

4235 19th Street
San Francisco, CA 94114 United States
(650) 489-6039

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Alice Chalmers Preschool

<span class="tribe-address"> <span class="tribe-street-address">670 Brunswick Street</span> <br> <span class="tribe-locality">San Francisco</span><span class="tribe-delimiter">,</span> <abbr class="tribe-region tribe-events-abbr" title="California">CA</abbr> <span class="tribe-postal-code">94112</span> <span class="tribe-country-name">United States</span> </span>
(415) 831-2700

March 19 7:30 am 9:30 am

2049 Grove Street
San Francisco, CA 94118 United States

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Alice Chalmers Preschool

<span class="tribe-address"> <span class="tribe-street-address">670 Brunswick Street</span> <br> <span class="tribe-locality">San Francisco</span><span class="tribe-delimiter">,</span> <abbr class="tribe-region tribe-events-abbr" title="California">CA</abbr> <span class="tribe-postal-code">94112</span> <span class="tribe-country-name">United States</span> </span>
(415) 831-2700

March 19 7:30 am 9:30 am

Oneida Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94112 United States

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Alice Chalmers Preschool

<span class="tribe-address"> <span class="tribe-street-address">670 Brunswick Street</span> <br> <span class="tribe-locality">San Francisco</span><span class="tribe-delimiter">,</span> <abbr class="tribe-region tribe-events-abbr" title="California">CA</abbr> <span class="tribe-postal-code">94112</span> <span class="tribe-country-name">United States</span> </span>
(415) 831-2700

March 19 7:30 am 9:30 am

3630 Divisadero Street
San Francisco, CA 94123 United States

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Alice Chalmers Preschool

<span class="tribe-address"> <span class="tribe-street-address">670 Brunswick Street</span> <br> <span class="tribe-locality">San Francisco</span><span class="tribe-delimiter">,</span> <abbr class="tribe-region tribe-events-abbr" title="California">CA</abbr> <span class="tribe-postal-code">94112</span> <span class="tribe-country-name">United States</span> </span>
(415) 831-2700

March 19 7:30 am 9:30 am

235 12th Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94118 United States

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Alice Chalmers Preschool

<span class="tribe-address"> <span class="tribe-street-address">670 Brunswick Street</span> <br> <span class="tribe-locality">San Francisco</span><span class="tribe-delimiter">,</span> <abbr class="tribe-region tribe-events-abbr" title="California">CA</abbr> <span class="tribe-postal-code">94112</span> <span class="tribe-country-name">United States</span> </span>
(415) 831-2700

March 19 7:30 am 9:30 am

235 12th Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94118 United States

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Alice Chalmers Preschool

<span class="tribe-address"> <span class="tribe-street-address">670 Brunswick Street</span> <br> <span class="tribe-locality">San Francisco</span><span class="tribe-delimiter">,</span> <abbr class="tribe-region tribe-events-abbr" title="California">CA</abbr> <span class="tribe-postal-code">94112</span> <span class="tribe-country-name">United States</span> </span>
(415) 831-2700

March 19 7:30 am 6:00 pm

559 Gateway Blvd
South San Francisco, CA 94080 United States

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Alice Chalmers Preschool

<span class="tribe-address"> <span class="tribe-street-address">670 Brunswick Street</span> <br> <span class="tribe-locality">San Francisco</span><span class="tribe-delimiter">,</span> <abbr class="tribe-region tribe-events-abbr" title="California">CA</abbr> <span class="tribe-postal-code">94112</span> <span class="tribe-country-name">United States</span> </span>
(415) 831-2700

March 19 7:30 am 6:00 pm

559 Gateway Blvd
South San Francisco, CA 94080 United States

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Alice Chalmers Preschool

<span class="tribe-address"> <span class="tribe-street-address">670 Brunswick Street</span> <br> <span class="tribe-locality">San Francisco</span><span class="tribe-delimiter">,</span> <abbr class="tribe-region tribe-events-abbr" title="California">CA</abbr> <span class="tribe-postal-code">94112</span> <span class="tribe-country-name">United States</span> </span>
(415) 831-2700

March 19 7:30 am 6:00 pm

559 Gateway Blvd
South San Francisco, CA 94080 United States

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Alice Chalmers Preschool

<span class="tribe-address"> <span class="tribe-street-address">670 Brunswick Street</span> <br> <span class="tribe-locality">San Francisco</span><span class="tribe-delimiter">,</span> <abbr class="tribe-region tribe-events-abbr" title="California">CA</abbr> <span class="tribe-postal-code">94112</span> <span class="tribe-country-name">United States</span> </span>
(415) 831-2700

March 19 7:30 am 6:00 pm

1011 Garfield Street
San Francisco, CA 94132 United States
(415) 333-9622

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Alice Chalmers Preschool

<span class="tribe-address"> <span class="tribe-street-address">670 Brunswick Street</span> <br> <span class="tribe-locality">San Francisco</span><span class="tribe-delimiter">,</span> <abbr class="tribe-region tribe-events-abbr" title="California">CA</abbr> <span class="tribe-postal-code">94112</span> <span class="tribe-country-name">United States</span> </span>
(415) 831-2700

March 19 7:30 am 6:00 pm

1011 Garfield Street
San Francisco, CA 94132 United States
(415) 333-9622

← Back to Events & Classes

Alice Chalmers Preschool

<span class="tribe-address"> <span class="tribe-street-address">670 Brunswick Street</span> <br> <span class="tribe-locality">San Francisco</span><span class="tribe-delimiter">,</span> <abbr class="tribe-region tribe-events-abbr" title="California">CA</abbr> <span class="tribe-postal-code">94112</span> <span class="tribe-country-name">United States</span> </span>
(415) 831-2700

March 19 7:30 am 6:00 pm

670 Brunswick Street
San Francisco, CA 94112 United States
+ Google Map
(415) 831-2700

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Alice Chalmers Preschool

<span class="tribe-address"> <span class="tribe-street-address">670 Brunswick Street</span> <br> <span class="tribe-locality">San Francisco</span><span class="tribe-delimiter">,</span> <abbr class="tribe-region tribe-events-abbr" title="California">CA</abbr> <span class="tribe-postal-code">94112</span> <span class="tribe-country-name">United States</span> </span>
(415) 831-2700

March 19 7:30 am 6:00 pm

670 Brunswick Street
San Francisco, CA 94112 United States
+ Google Map
(415) 831-2700