NLF Preschool Programs provide childcare services for children aged 2 yrs. 10 mo. to 5 years old. We provide a flexible schedule designed to accommodate the needs of families (full-day, half-day or three days per week).
When children graduate from our preschool programs, they are well prepared to meet the challenges of primary school education. Subsidized childcare is available to accommodate families of low to moderate income as well as private fee services. Families who feel they qualify as low-income can apply for the State subsidy program by visiting the www.SF3C.org website (San Francisco Child Care Connection, also known as the S.F. CEL or Centralized Eligibility List) and submitting an application on-line. The Children’s Council of S.F. (415) 343-3300 and Wu Yee Children’s Services (415) 391-4956 are the administrator.
When children graduate from our preschool programs, they are well prepared to meet the challenges of primary school education. Subsidized childcare is available to accommodate families of low to moderate income as well as private fee services. Families who feel they qualify as low-income can apply for the State subsidy program by visiting the www.SF3C.org website (San Francisco Child Care Connection, also known as the S.F. CEL or Centralized Eligibility List) and submitting an application on-line. The Children’s Council of S.F. (415) 343-3300 and Wu Yee Children’s Services (415) 391-4956 are the administrator.
Program Features
- Developmentally appropriate experiential and hands-on teaching Techniques to support each child’s learning style
- A curriculum that cultivates the child’s social, cognitive, physical, emotional and linguistic development
- Integration of Japanese language, culture and community in academic disciplines
- Hot meals and nutritious snacks
- Weekly field trips
- Mental health consultation services for children, parents and staff
- Interaction with seniors from various centers and agencies in the community
Curriculum
The Japanese language is incorporated throughout the day during meal times, music time and group time. The bilingual staff speaks to the children in Japanese throughout the day, and a mini Japanese lesson is provided daily to familiarize the children with the hiragana letters and simple words and phrases in Japanese through songs, games and activities. The curriculum is enriched with Japanese cultural events and celebrations such as Oshogatsu (New Year’s Day), Setsubun, Hina matsuri (Doll Festival), Kodomo no Hi (Children’s day), Natsu Matsuri (Summer festival) and Undou Kai (Sports day).
The teachers have adapted a monthly themed curriculum based on the children’s interest so that a subject can be studied in-depth to promote critical thinking and problem solving skills.
While studying a topic in-depth, the children will continue to develop the skills necessary for entering Kindergarten such as cognitive, socialization, language, large motor and small motor skills. Some examples of monthly themes include: plants and insects, “all about me”, and transportation.
Parent participation requirement
One of the organization’s strengths is our parental involvement and participation. Parents play an active role in the development of NLF and work with staff members to insure high quality childcare and education. Parents participate through a committee system that plans fundraisers, community events, family socials, educational functions, parents' night out services and education on topics such as child development, nutrition, and elementary school choices. Parent representatives are members of the Board of Directors which set and implement our policies and goals.
Since NLF's monthly family fees do not cover the full cost of running the programs, we require parents to participate in fundraising and other activities as described below, to keep the fees as low as possible.
Our Preschool Programs require parents to participate in 12 activities for a single-parent family and 18 activities for a two-parent family. In addition, parents are required to participate in all three of its major fundraising activities and the annual general meeting each September. If parents in either program are unable to participate in the required number of events, an additional "non-participatory" surcharge will apply.
Since NLF's monthly family fees do not cover the full cost of running the programs, we require parents to participate in fundraising and other activities as described below, to keep the fees as low as possible.
Our Preschool Programs require parents to participate in 12 activities for a single-parent family and 18 activities for a two-parent family. In addition, parents are required to participate in all three of its major fundraising activities and the annual general meeting each September. If parents in either program are unable to participate in the required number of events, an additional "non-participatory" surcharge will apply.
Preschool For All (PFA) Program
NLF’s two preschool sites have met the high standards to qualify for First 5 San Francisco’s PFA funding, since eligibility began for its neighborhood in 2007. PFA is funded through Proposition H funds which was voter approved in 2004 to provide universal preschool for all 4 years olds living in San Francisco. PFA funding provides parents of qualified 4 year olds with 2 ½ hours of free preschool, as well as enhancement funds to further enrich the preschool curriculum, environment and overall program.
For more information on PFA, visit their website at www.first5sf.org.