INTRODUCING Our Brand-New Preschool at Rancho Family YMCA
Registrations for August open now!
Welcome to our Future Learning Nest – Where Learning Meets Play in a Safe, Nurturing Environment.
Construction for the new preschool at Rancho Family YMCA is underway and set to open in August 2026, with enrollment beginning April 1, 2026.
As San Diego County’s largest youth service provider, the Y fosters children’s cognitive, physical, emotional and social growth through a play-based curriculum.
The program emphasizes Kindergarten-readiness, physical activities and core values: caring, responsibility, respect and honesty.
We always ensure safety is our top priority with extensively trained and background-checked staff.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR BIG LITTLE MOMENTS
- April 1, 2026 – Registration Begins (Priority for Members)
- Summer 2026 – Community Open House(s) and Tours
- August 2026 – Open for Operations – Growing Minds, Shaping Futures!
CHOOSE THE Y FOR PRESCHOOL!
Parenting comes with tough choices, but choosing the Y for your child’s early education is easy. Our licensed preschool will offer nurturing full- and part-time care, designed to support children’s developmental stages. With experienced staff and thoughtfully crafted programs, children will build confidence, independence and a love for learning.
If you have questions, contact Mia Kelliher at mkelliher@ymcasd.org.
LOCATION
Rancho Family YMCA Preschool
9440 Fairgrove Lane,
San Diego, CA 92129
License #: 376105254
ON-SITE CONTACT
Mia Kelliher
mkelliher@ymcasd.org
858-484-8788 ext. 1946
Our Preschool Philosophy
Centered around fostering a nurturing environment where children can grow, learn and thrive. We believe in providing a developmentally appropriate curriculum that promotes physical, emotional, social and cognitive growth during these critical early years. By encouraging exploration, creativity and problem-solving, the Y aims to build a foundation for lifelong learning and success.
Safety First, Always.
Our licensed, highly trained staff are committed to excellence, with a safety-first approach guiding everything we do. The Y has extensive child protection safeguards and over 150 years of history marked by a positive reputation and a proven record. Safety measures include but are not limited to:
- All staff undergo comprehensive background checks and fingerprinting.
- Mandatory child safety training and CPR/First Aid/AED certification conducted regularly for all staff.
- Clear policies are in place to ensure children are always supervised with required staff-to-child ratios.
- Staff receive continued education on recognizing and preventing signs of abuse.
- A secure check-in and check-out system is implemented to monitor child pick-ups.
- Regular safety drills are conducted to prepare for emergencies.
- The Y goes above and beyond for compliance with all state and federal child safety regulations.
Affordable Paths for Bright Futures - Tuition
Program runs year-round, Monday to Friday, from 8:00am – 5:30pm*
*Time range is subject to minimal revisions; official operating hours set in summer 2026.
All programs include an annual registration fee:
- Nonmembers: $100
- Y Community Membership: $90
- Y Community + Membership: $85
*To apply the member fee, child must be included in the membership.
5 day | mon - fri
Nonmember Pricing: $1,750
Members save up to 15% off with select Y membership
Programs Tailored for Little Explorers
Our preschool offers a nurturing, play-based environment where children grow into creative, independent thinkers while developing social-emotional skills, self-reliance and respect within a diverse community, guided by YMCA core values and flexible scheduling options.
what will your preschooler's day will look like?
Our preschool provides a nurturing environment where your child can grow into a creative, independent thinker, develop social-emotional skills, build self-reliance and gain a deep sense of respect and responsibility within our diverse, multicultural community.
CURRICULUM
FREE PLAY
Children are free to explore various centers in the classroom. Blocks, art, library, science and manipulatives will be some of the available choices.
OUTSIDE EXPLORATION
Children are free to explore the outside environment. Bikes, sand play and other various activities will be available.
GROUP MEETING
The children will meet to further explore the curriculum topics for the day.
SNACK & lunch
A healthy snack will be provided family style. Children will socialize with their peers, learn how to serve themselves and how to properly nourish their bodies.
Two nutritious snacks will be provided daily (morning & afternoon). Snacks meet the licensing guidelines, containing at least one item from 2 of 4 food groups. Children will need to bring their own lunch daily. Please send a lunch with healthy food choices.
ASSEMBLY
Children will meet to discuss the days events, read stories and sing songs.
EARLY LITERACY
Opportunities for story time and individual book time throughout the day.
REST TIME
All children will be provided a nap in the afternoon. Parents will need to provide a small pillow, crib sheet, blanket and anything else that will make your child feel comfortable at nap time.
Teachers assist children with resting their bodies by patting their backs, dimming the lights and playing soft music.
ENRICHMENT
Staff
Enrollment Made Easy
Secure your spot today as space is limited!
Hear What Families Love About Us
Contact Us - Let's Chat About Your Child's Bright Future
Mia Kelliher, Program Director
mkelliher@ymcasd.org
858-484-8788 ext. 1946
FULL-DAY PROGRAM
Ages 2 to 5 years
Program runs year-round (August to August), Monday to Friday, from 8:00am – 5:30pm.
All programs include an annual registration fee:
- Nonmembers: $100
- Y Community Membership: $90
- Y Community + Membership: $85
*To apply the member fee, child must be included in the membership.
tuition
Preschool tuition includes swim and gymnastics enrichment, as well as morning and afternoon snacks.
5 day | mon - fri
Nonmember Pricing: $1,750
Members save up to 15% off with select Y membership
ENROLLMENT INFORMATION
For interest in enrollment, please reach out to Mia Kelliher at mkelliher@ymcasd.org.
what will your preschooler's day will look like?
Our preschool provides a nurturing environment where your child can grow into a creative, independent thinker, develop social-emotional skills, build self-reliance and gain a deep sense of respect and responsibility within our diverse, multicultural community.
CURRICULUM
FREE PLAY
Children are free to explore various centers in the classroom. Blocks, art, library, science and manipulatives will be some of the available choices.
OUTSIDE EXPLORATION
Children are free to explore the outside environment. Bikes, sand play and other various activities will be available.
GROUP MEETING
The children will meet to further explore the curriculum topics for the day.
SNACK & lunch
A healthy snack will be provided family style. Children will socialize with their peers, learn how to serve themselves and how to properly nourish their bodies.
Two nutritious snacks will be provided daily (morning & afternoon). Snacks meet the licensing guidelines, containing at least one item from 2 of 4 food groups. Children will need to bring their own lunch daily. Please send a lunch with healthy food choices.
ASSEMBLY
Children will meet to discuss the days events, read stories and sing songs.
EARLY LITERACY
Opportunities for story time and individual book time throughout the day.
REST TIME
All children will be provided a nap in the afternoon. Parents will need to provide a small pillow, crib sheet, blanket and anything else that will make your child feel comfortable at nap time.
Teachers assist children with resting their bodies by patting their backs, dimming the lights and playing soft music.
ENRICHMENT
Staff
PRESCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Preschool is closed* the following holidays:
- Preschool Staff Pre-Service & Prep Week (1 week in August)
- Labor Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day & Friday after Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
- New Years Day
- Winter Prep Week (first week of January)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- President’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth
- Independence Day
*Closures subject to change
