Starting Enrollment for our NEW Toddler component!
Registration is now open for our brand new toddler program!
We are now welcoming children as young as 18 months into our community. In our Toddler Discovery Room and beautiful outdoor classroom, a small group of up to nine children (ages 18–36 months) will explore, connect, and grow together. This is such a remarkable stage of development, and we look forward to joyfully supporting the big leaps in learning that happen during these early years with individualized care and attention. Our toddler program is rooted in our school’s philosophy of child-led learning, inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. Through hands-on experiences and thoughtfully prepared environments, children will build relationships, develop language, and strengthen their emerging social skills—all within the context of our established UCUC Preschool community.
We offer 2-, 3-, and 5-day enrollment options, and toilet training is not required, allowing for a gentle and developmentally appropriate introduction to school. The program will begin in August 2026.
Spaces are limited, and we expect this program to fill quickly. To learn more or join us, submit an inquiry form below, or email [email protected].
We are now welcoming children as young as 18 months into our community. In our Toddler Discovery Room and beautiful outdoor classroom, a small group of up to nine children (ages 18–36 months) will explore, connect, and grow together. This is such a remarkable stage of development, and we look forward to joyfully supporting the big leaps in learning that happen during these early years with individualized care and attention. Our toddler program is rooted in our school’s philosophy of child-led learning, inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. Through hands-on experiences and thoughtfully prepared environments, children will build relationships, develop language, and strengthen their emerging social skills—all within the context of our established UCUC Preschool community.
We offer 2-, 3-, and 5-day enrollment options, and toilet training is not required, allowing for a gentle and developmentally appropriate introduction to school. The program will begin in August 2026.
Spaces are limited, and we expect this program to fill quickly. To learn more or join us, submit an inquiry form below, or email [email protected].
Welcome
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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.
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Program Overview
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University City United Church (UCUC) Preschool is a part-day enrichment program for children 18 months years to Kindergarten. 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
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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. 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. Our program 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 lead 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. Core Program Hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Extended Care is available starting at 8am, and until 4pm (starting Fall 2026). UCUC Preschool roughly follows the San Diego Unified School District Calendar. |
Admissions
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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. |