Montessori Preschool / Child Care in San Francisco

Montessori Children's Center, San Francisco:
Founded in 1976, Montessori Children's Center (MCC) teaches students ages 2-6 years in its new custom-designed preschool located in the Parkmerced community in the southwest corner of San Francisco. Our preschool is based near San Francisco State University in the Villa Merced complex. We serve families from Sunset District, Balboa Terrace, Ingleside, Oceanview and throughout San Fransisco Bay communities. Dedicated to the methods and vision of the reknowned educator Maria Montessori, the teachers at MCC consider themselves guides and facilitators rather than instructors as children instinctively "learn how to learn," thus gaining independence and self-confidence. The staff includes experienced Montessori teachers with extensive educational backgrounds and a qualified complementary staff.

Childcare Programs (Preschool Program & Kindergarten Program):
The Montessori Program is in session September through June, with a summer program in July and August. It is designed as a 3-year program, with all the preparatory activities of the first two years culminating in a successful kindergarten year. We accept children into the program between the ages of 2 and 3-1/2 years, and strongly recommend they remain for a full 3-year period, including kindergarten. The full 3-year cycle offers the children the opportunity for maximum growth, creatively, intellectually, and socially, by allowing them to explore and work at their own pace without fear of failure.

Children age 4 and over will be admitted if space becomes available. They will be expected to commit to 2 years in the program. We offer regular childcare on a daily basis to all children enrolled in our Montessori program. The hours are 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (before and after the daily Montessori program). The childcare program is supervised by the Director and is staffed by childcare specialists who are experienced and innovative. Daily activities include playground time, snacks, cooking, art, and a project of the day. The project may be playground games, movement, gardening, music, or art.

The center provides an atomosphere that is interesting and challenging to the children, but also low-key. We make every effort to end each day with quiet time and activities, so that parents will pick up a child who is happy and pleasant, not tired and irritable. Pre-registration for regular use of the childcare program is required. Childcare fees are due on the first day of each month, along with the tuition payment.

If you don't require regular childcare, but need to use the Center for occasional early drop-off or late pickup, please inquire in advance (minimum 24 hours). The Center will accommodate children in this way if there is space and adequate staff (this is not guaranteed). There is a sign-up sheet in each classroom. For occasional use of childcare services, payment by ticket is required. You can buy a tickets in booklets of 5. One ticket is worth one hour of childcare. Of course we will make exceptions to our policies, below, in the case of a family emergency — but only in that case can we do so.

Afterschool Childcare Program:
We also offer an afterschool childcare program starting at 3 p.m with:

* Playground fun
* Group activities (cooking, gardening, art, music)
* Afternoon snack