Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Play-Based Preschool in San Diego
San Diego Cooperative Preschool has been nurturing young minds through play-based learning since 1963. As San Diego's only parent/guardian cooperative preschool, we foster a collaborative community where families, educators, and children work together to create a supportive environment for early childhood development. Our experienced team employs emergent curriculum principles rooted in RIE and Reggio Emilia philosophies, prioritizing individualized learning and social-emotional growth. With over six decades of experience, we maintain rigorous professional standards through CPR/First Aid certifications and ongoing staff development.Our program operates year-round in a purposefully designed campus that encourages exploration and connection with nature. We demonstrate expertise through our unique cooperative model requiring family involvement, including classroom volunteering and governance participation. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we uphold transparency in operations and maintain partnerships with organizations like NAEYC and Zero to Three. Our commitment to trustworthiness is evident in our open-door policy, DEI initiatives, and focus on creating lasting connections that extend beyond the preschool years.
Services
Play-Based Preschool
Parent Cooperative Program
DEI Initiatives
Emergent Curriculum
Infant Toddler Care
Outdoor Learning
Family Engagement
Professional Development
Tuition Assistance
Community Partnerships
Details
- Year established: 1963
Highlights and features
- We offer 60+ years of experience in cooperative early childhood education
- Our program integrates RIE and Reggio Emilia-inspired play-based learning philosophies
- Our parent-run cooperative model ensures family involvement in governance
- We maintain 2:6 infant-to-teacher ratios for personalized care
- Our DEI-certified staff implements anti-bias curriculum frameworks
Associations and certifications
- NAEYC
- Zero to Three
- San Diego Regional Center
Services
Play-Based Preschool
Our play-based curriculum nurtures cognitive, social, and emotional growth through unstructured exploration. Children develop independence and creativity in mixed-age classrooms with intentional learning environments. Teachers facilitate discovery while respecting individual developmental paces.
Parent Cooperative
Families participate through classroom volunteering, governance roles, and community events. This collaborative model strengthens home-school connections and builds lasting relationships. Parents attend orientations and complete annual service commitments.
DEI Initiatives
Diversity, equity, and inclusion principles guide our curriculum and practices. We celebrate cultural differences through multicultural materials and anti-bias education. Staff receive training in culturally responsive teaching methods.
Infant Toddler Care
RIE-inspired infant programs focus on respectful caregiving and motor development. Toddler classrooms emphasize social-emotional growth through play-based activities. Small ratios ensure individualized attention for youngest learners.
Outdoor Learning
Daily outdoor time develops physical skills and environmental awareness. Natural play spaces include canyon views and nature-based materials. Outdoor activities support sensory development and risk assessment in safe settings.
People
Stephanie Larson
Director
Stephanie leads our educational team with expertise in early childhood development. She implements best practices while maintaining the cooperative's mission. Her leadership ensures quality programming across all classrooms.
Sandra Hernandez Aguirre
Office Administrator
Sandra manages daily operations and family communications. She coordinates enrollment and maintains organizational systems. Her administrative support ensures smooth program implementation.
Nina Glans
Infant Lead Teacher
Nina specializes in RIE-inspired infant care. She creates nurturing environments for early development. Her expertise guides our approach to respectful caregiving practices.
Ljiljana Jotanovic
Toddler Lead Teacher
Ljiljana facilitates toddler social-emotional growth through play-based learning. She develops curriculum that encourages independence. Her classroom fosters early communication skills in a supportive setting.
Kai Villanueva
Preschool Lead Teacher
Kai implements emergent curriculum in mixed-age preschool classrooms. He supports child-led learning while documenting developmental progress. His teaching emphasizes creativity and problem-solving skills.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We care for children from 6 months through preschool age with specific classroom placements based on developmental stages.
What makes your program unique?
Our cooperative model involves families in governance and classroom activities, creating a true community learning environment.
How do you incorporate DEI principles?
We use multicultural materials, anti-bias curriculum, and staff training to create inclusive classrooms celebrating diversity.
What are your operating hours?
We operate Monday-Friday from 7:30am-5:30pm year-round following SDUSD break schedules.
Do you offer tuition assistance?
Yes, we participate in CDA, YMCA, and MCCYN subsidized payment programs to help qualifying families.
How can families get involved?
Parents volunteer in classrooms, complete annual work parties, serve on committees, and participate in governance.
Reviews (2)
Anastasia Chase
Sep 23, 2014
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Both of our children have attended UCP. It's a warm, caring environment where we have always felt a real part of the community. I can't speak highly enough of the dedicated teachers and highly knowledgeable director. UCP is a really special place and I am very glad that we found it. If you're looking for a preschool that is more than just a place to send your kids, this is the place. We have learned a TON of parenting techniques both through classes offered by UCP and by watching the teachers work as we have co-opped. Check it out - you'll be happy you did!
Jennifer Danzig
Oct 16, 2013
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Our son attended UCP for four years and it was an incredible experience for him. It was also amazing for us as parents since this was our first child. The co-op experience helped make us better parents and gave us such invaluable communication skills in ways that children respond. The teachers and staff were such helpful resources for information about child development throughout the years. Our son is now in Kindergarten and he is so well prepared (although as parents we were sad to leave UCP!) When I told our son I was writing a review, he asked me to write: "UCP's a super good preschool!" I
