Mar 12
Early Childhood Education
Brighter Futures Start with the Y

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.
LICENSED PRESCHOOL SITE
The Lutheran Church of Our Savior (LCOS) Preschool, operated by Stonestown Family YMCA, is a hidden gem nestled in the quiet, residential Merced Heights neighborhood.
Located at 1011 Garfield Street, this center offers a serene and nurturing environment that feels more like a community “extension of the home” than a traditional school facility.
Sea Turtle Room
Ages 2.5-3.5 years old
1:4 children
Penguin Room 1
Ages 3.5-5 years
1:8 children
Penguin Room 2
Ages 3.5-5
1:8 children
Penguin Room #
Ages 3.5-5
1:8 children
Monday through Friday, year-round program.
Closed on major holidays.
The YMCA of Greater San Francisco has decades of experience creating nurturing environments where your child can grow and thrive.
Book a tour at Lutheran Chourch of Our Savior Preschool:

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.
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:
$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)
$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.
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.
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:
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).
Before you submit an enrollment request, please provide a certificate or contract of child services from your caseworker.
Please reach out to [email protected] for more information.
We collect monthly tuition 10 days before the first of each month. To maintain your enrollment, please set up an automatic draft.
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.
Scholarship amounts vary based on your household income, county, and program site. If you believe your family qualifies, please follow these steps:
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.
Want to secure a spot at Lutheran Church of Our Savior 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.
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 |
We maintain fully licensed and secure facilities at all our Early Childhood Education Centers and Infant Care sites.
Staff are CPR and First-Aid Trained, Live-Scan Background-Checked, and cleared.
Preschoolers are ready to enter Pre-Kindergarten/Kindergarten.
To enroll your child at LCOS Preschool, please contact Shirley Li at [email protected].
YMCA of Greater San Francisco
Ages: 2 to 5 years old
⟟ San Francisco
Ages: 3 months to 5 years old
⟟ San Francisco
Ages: 2 to 5 years old
⟟ South San Francisco
Ages: 2 to 5 years old
⟟ San Francisco
Ages: Ages: 3 months old to 5 years old
⟟ San Francisco
Mar 12
Early Childhood Education
Mar 12
Early Childhood Education
Mar 12
Early Childhood Education