YMCA Of Sf-Mission Branch-Alice Chalmers Preschool

Alice Chalmers Preschool is a licensed YMCA preschool serving ages 2-5 in San Francisco, operating Monday-Friday year-round with hours from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. The program emphasizes emotional bonding, safe environments, and developmentally appropriate practices using curricula including Creative Curriculum and Reggio Emilia-inspired approaches.

Philosophy

Create and strengthen emotional bonds between children and families. Children need to feel emotionally and physically safe to reach their highest potential. Children develop at different rates; we provide developmentally appropriate activities focusing on whole child development including social-emotional, physical health, language and literacy, and cognitive development. Children learn best through play, exploration, experimentation, investigation, and problem-solving.

Ages served

2-5 years old (Panda Bear Room: 2-3.5 years; Grizzly Bear Room: 3.5-5 years)

Hours

Monday-Friday, 7:30 am–6:00 pm, year-round (closed on major holidays)

Outdoor

Outdoor play and learning environments incorporated into programming; outdoor play structure available

Meals

Free meals included with every program enrollment

Not stated on their website: Teacher qualifications and experience, Class size, Supply list or required materials, Parent communication methods, Homework or take-home activities, Transition/graduation programs. Ask the preschool directly.

Summarized by AI from the preschool's own website (Jun 23, 2026). Not written or verified by PreschoolWise — confirm details directly with the program.