Welcome
​UCUC Preschool serves as a point of community in the unique partnerships between home and school. The image of the child is our guiding point. We celebrate diversity and are committed to advancing justice and equity through our use of anti-bias curriculum. Kindness, empathy, and respect serve as the cornerstones of our interactions and curriculum. The first five years of a child's life sees the most brain development. Careful observation, reflection, and interaction with children and their families guide teachers as they target the development of the whole child through California Preschool Learning Foundations and Frameworks. Through our trusting partnership with families, the children at UCUC Preschool achieve their highest potential. Our dream is for UCUC Preschool graduates to shape the future as a diverse, caring, equitable, and democratic community.

Program Overview

University City United Church (UCUC) Preschool is a part-day enrichment program for children 2 years to 5 years. Established in 1970 by the Church as an outreach program for the UC community and surrounding areas. The preschool has been committed to being open to admitting students of any religion, race, color and national or ethnic origin. UCUC Preschool is licensed by the State of California Department of Social Services.

UCUC Preschool works in partnership with families to help each child develop positive self-esteem, social, cognitive, and physical growth, respect for others and the natural environment, and appreciation for the individual personalities and cultural diversity of others. Children are invited to take charge of their learning by making choices at centers and with project work. This sense of ownership and self-direction is the foundation for lifelong learning. 

​We look forward to creating a wide diversity of life derived learning opportunities rooted in your children's own natural curiosity and wonder.  These intentionally and purposefully designed hands-on learning experiences will continue to enhance and facilitate your child’s growth and development.

Program Structure
University City United Church (UCUC) Preschool is rooted in the belief that we are communities of learners brought together to share in the joy and wonder of children's learning. 

As communities of learners, we utilize a mixed age classroom setting.  Research indicates that children in mixed age classes have higher levels of academic achievement because the teachers work with each child as unique individuals. Children at UCUC Preschool have the opportunity to spend several years with their same peers and teachers, creating a family of learners to support and care for one another. Older children have the opportunity to serve as mentors and take leadership roles. Through mixed age environments, the spirit of cooperation and caring makes it possible for children to help each other as individuals. 

UCUC Preschool offers two mixed-age classes:
Unicorns Class serves our younger children. Emphasis is placed on social-emotional development through building caring and nurturing relationships. Teachers use routines to enhance children's mastery of adaptive self-help skills. Interaction with peers in developmentally appropriate learning environments is at the root of children's success in the classroom. Children are introduced to the concept of project work in this class.

Explorers Class serves our older children. This class provides hands-on learning experiences rooted in developmentally appropriate practices laying the foundation for their success on their education journey into Kindergarten. Discovery and experimentation lend to the development of the whole child. Children apply the principles of project-based learning, mastering skills from mathematics to literacy as they prepare for their continuation in their education journey.

Program Hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Extended Care from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

​UCUC Preschool closely follows the San Diego Unified School District Calendar.

Admissions

Thank you for your interest in UCUC Preschool.

If you would like to learn more about our program, we invite you to schedule a tour with our center director, Meredith Saylor. Tours run primarily from October through April. As the first step in our burgeoning partnership, families are asked to please bring their child for tours to afford them an opportunity to engage with the school environment and staff.

    Please complete the form below. 
    You can expect a response in 1-3 days.