San Francisco, CA
Gate & Bridges Preschool

The Infant Development Center of San Francisco (IDC) was established in 1978 to provide quality child care to working families. Originally supervised by Lone Mountain College (now part of USF's Campus), IDC relocated into the Inner Sunset district when the college closed. Through collaboraitve efforts of staff and parents, the IDC incorporated as an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality childcare in San Francisco. In 1983 parents and alumni families made it possible for the organization to purchase our present building at 10th and Lawton where we operate Gates & Bridges Preschool. We believe that children who spend the day apart from their parents benefit from an intimate, involved setting. The philoshopy of our early childhood program rests on the importance of:
* primary attachments and the relationship between children, parents, and teachers;
* respect of all children as competent and capable people;
* provision of a safe, predicatable, interesting and aesthetic environment;
* respect and response to the uniqueness of each child;
* excellent early childhood professionals.

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We care for only 16 children with a ratio of one teacher to eight, allowing opportunities for small groupings and individual attention. Our daily program includes language arts, dramatic play, art, music, tactile and sensory exploration, science/math, cooperative games, outdoor play, organized group times, meals together, and rest/nap period. There are opportunities for both structured and spontaneous activities inside and outside. We offer a planned, yet flexible curriculum geared to the children's common interests and growing competencies. Morning and afternoon programs are often centered around themes and interest topics. Much of the curriculum emerges out of play episodes, books, experiences and conversations that children share with their teachers and each other. Teachers encourage each child to pursue spontaneous and individual interests.

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