Mar 26
Early Childhood Education
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.
Enrollment at Gateway Child Development Center includes a Family Membership to Peninsula Family YMCA.
Ages & Classroom Ratios
Ladybug Room
Ages: 3-9 months
1:4 children
Bumblebee Room
Ages: 9-18 months
1:4 children
Butterfly Room
Ages: 18-24 months
1:4
Koala Room
Ages: 2-3 years old
1:8
Monkey Room
Ages 2-3 years old
1:8
Otter Room
Ages: 3-4 years old
1:12
Dolphin Room
Ages: 4-5 years old
1:12
Penguin Room
Ages: 4-5 years old
1:12
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 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:
Monthly Tuition Rates
Full Time Care
$2,464 – Infants (3 months to 24 months old)
$2,050 – Toddler / Jr. Preschool Tuition (2 to 3 years old)
$1,743 – Preschool & Pre-K Tuition (3 to 5 years old/potty trained)
Part Time Care
$1,513 / 3 days a week – Toddler / Jr. Preschool Tuition (2 to 3 years old)
$1,371 / 2 days a week – Toddler / Jr. Preschool Tuition (2 to 3 years old)
$1,266 / 3 days a week – Preschool & Pre-K Tuition (3 to 5 years old/potty trained)
$1,147 / 2 days a week – Preschool & Pre-K Tuition (3 to 5 years old/potty trained)
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 Waitlist
Want to secure a spot at Gateway Child Development Center? 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.
| 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
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Ages: 2 to 5 years old
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Lutheran Church or Our Savior (LCOS) Preschool
Ages: 2 to 5 years old
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Villa de Kapuso Child Development Center
Ages: Ages: 3 months old to 5 years old
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Youth & Family
Stonestown Family YMCA Youth Sports Programs
Kids Stonestown Family YMCACamps
YMCA Camp Jones Gulch Wellness Weekend
Ages 18+ YMCA Camp Jones GulchYouth & Family
Presidio Community YMCA Youth Sports Programs
Ages 5-11 Presidio Community YMCAWaitlists
Apr 04
Early Childhood Education