Brighter Futures Start At the Y
Mission YMCA Preschool
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 Mission YMCA Preschool, located at 4080 Mission Street, is a cornerstone of early childhood education in San Francisco’s vibrant Outer Mission/Excelsior district.
As part of the YMCA of Greater San Francisco’s commitment to community equity, this center is well-known for its inclusive atmosphere and its dedication to serving a diverse range of families.
The Mission YMCA Preschool has been operating since 1977 and became a licensed early childhood education site in 1995.
Operating Schedule
Monday through Friday, year-round program. Closed on major holidays.
Ages & Classroom Ratios
| Classroom: | Age: | Ratio: |
|---|---|---|
| Koala Room | 2–3.5 years old | 1 adult:10 children |
| Monkey Room | 3.5–4 years old | 1 adult:5 children |
| Butterfly Room | 3.9–5 years old | 1 adult:12 children |
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 Mission YMCA Preschool:
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
Shelley
Teacher | Preschoolers
“I believe learning through play is essential, and I aim to provide this in every possible way.”
Angel
Assistant Teacher | Preschoolers
“I believe the preschool years are a magical time for fostering early curiosity and building social confidence through creative, hands-on play. My goal every day is to design a joyful, supportive classroom where your child feels safe exploring, expressing themselves, and growing.”
Mercedes
Lead Teacher | Preschoolers
“With over 20 years of experience, I am a faith- and family-guided educator excited to partner with families and support children as they grow, learn, and celebrate their achievements.”
Paola
Master Teacher | Preschoolers
“My goal is to create a preschool environment that feels like a safe and consistent home away from home—a place where children can learn, grow, explore, and be themselves. Families will feel at ease knowing their children are surrounded by staff who genuinely care for them and their well-being.”
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
YMCA Facility Members
$2,375 – Preschool I / Jr. Preschool Tuition (2 to 3 years old)
$2,178 – Preschool II / Preschool & Pre-K Tuition (3 to 5 years old/potty trained)
Community Participants
$2,850 – Preschool I / Jr. Preschool Tuition (2 to 3 years old)
$2,614 – Preschool II / Preschool & Pre-K Tuition (3 to 5 years old/potty trained)
Early Learning For All (ELFA) Scholarships
ELFA scholarships at 50% to 100% rates, please see below for more details.
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
Early Learning For All (ELFA) Scholarships
Your family may qualify for an ELFA scholarship. Scholarships may be awarded at 50% to 100% based on your family’s income. See if your family qualifies by clicking here. To read more about ELFA, please visit the San Francisco Department of Early Childhood webpage by clicking here.
ELFA Rates
| Household Income 110% AMI or Below (Community Participants & YMCA Facility Members) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Toddlers/Jr. Preschool (2-3 years old) | 100% Free Tuition & No Co-Pay | |
| Preschool (3-5 years old) | 100% Free Tuition & No Co-Pay |
| Household Income 111%-150% AMI | ||
|---|---|---|
| Community Participants (Non-YMCA Facility Members) | ELFA Scholarship | Co-Pay |
| Toddlers/Jr. Preschool (2-3 years old) | $2,306 | $544 |
| Preschool (3-5 years old) | $2,115 | $499 |
| YMCA Facility Members | ELFA Scholarship | Co-Pay |
| Toddlers/Jr. Preschool (2-3 years old) | $2,306 | $69 |
| Preschool (3-5 years old) | $2,115 | $63 |
| Household Income 151%-200% AMI | ||
|---|---|---|
| Community Participants (Non-YMCA Facility Members) | ELFA Scholarship | Co-Pay |
| Toddlers/Jr. Preschool (2-3 years old) | $1,153 | $1,697 |
| Preschool (3-5 years old) | $1,058 | $1,556 |
| YMCA Facility Members | ELFA Scholarship | Co-Pay |
| Toddlers/Jr. Preschool (2-3 years old) | $1,153 | $1,222 |
| Preschool (3-5 years old) | $1,058 | $1,120 |
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.
- 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 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:
- 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 Mission YMCA Preschool? Create your online Community Portal Account to sign up today. We collect a non-refundable deposit when you submit your application. If your family qualifies for the ELFA scholarship, we may waive up to 100% your application fee/non-refundable deposit. Please get in touch with us to learn more.
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?
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
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
Gateway Child Development Center
Ages: 2 to 5 years old
⟟ South 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.