Let's Have Fun!

Marina Children's Center is a play-based preschool located in San Francisco's Cow Hollow

Hours: M - F 8am-6pm

3219A Laguna Street
San Francisco, CA
94123

Ph: 415-931-0833

 

 

ABOUT US

We are a play-based, eco-friendly program which incorporates experiences in language and literacy, science, math, art, and being green. All activities are developmentally appropriate for the ages represented within the range that we serve (2 - 5 years of age). Our program is designed to be completed over approximately a three-year period. The child's first year is designed to provide an introduction to preschool. Our curriculum includes activities designed to develop cognitive, social, physical and emotional skills. We also offer free play time, which gives the child ample opportunities to grow and learn. In the second year our curriculum expands on their developing skills and introduces the children to a more structured learning environment for short periods of the day.

While the children at Marina Children's Center have many opportunities to play as a large group or with individual friends, they will also spend time in smaller groups where they will enjoy age appropriate activities closely facilitated by a teacher. The children are assigned to one of two groups upon entering the program.

The two groups are referred to as the Yellow Jackets and Honey Bees. A child's placement as a Yellow Jacket or a Honey Bee is determined by their birth date and when the child will be entering Kindergarten. Children who are within one year of attending Kindergarten are assigned to the Yellow Jackets. Children who are more than a year away from Kindergarten are assigned to the Honey Bees.

Children who are Yellow Jackets will be presented with activities that will prepare them cognitively as well as emotionally for a smooth transition into an Elementary program. They will work on letters, numbers, following multiple step directions, listening attentively to a teacher teach in a group, and the social skills necessary to actively participate in a large classroom setting.

Children in the younger group will be involved in activities which teach the alphabet, numbers, colors, shapes, etc. in a less structured environment. Children 2 or more years away from Kindergarten are learning to interact with groups of children, learning to control their bodies and practicing the skills necessary to interact with peers using language to communicate their needs and desires. The Honey Bees are building self-esteem while learning to control their body movement (large and fine muscle control) within their own space. They are also acquiring the ability to control their emotions within a group setting. This group of children will often be presented with activities that utilize movement, sound, touch, and lots of conversation and interaction with a teacher.

We believe that by grouping the children by age at various times during the day, children are given the opportunity to explore activities that are specifically designed to interest their particular age group. Breaking into smaller groups also provides an opportunity for children to interact with teachers on a more personal basis. Teachers then have the opportunity to recognize each child's strengths as well as the areas that need additional skill building.

All of the children participating in the program will experience activities with teachers who are skilled in presenting ideas and encouraging the children to explore new concepts. All of the teachers at Marina Children have an extensive background in the fields of Early Childhood Development and Education combined with many years of experience.

Our goal is to prepare children to make a smooth transition into Kindergarten. By preparing children socially and emotionally as well as cognitively, we believe that Marina Children are given the foundation necessary to succeed in Elementary education and throughout life.