Play, Learn and Thrive
Joe AND Mary Mottino Family YMCA Preschool
Welcome to preschool at Joe and Mary Mottino Family YMCA!
The Y is the largest and oldest provider of youth development services in San Diego County, with a long history of providing a real, positive impact in the lives of children. We are dedicated to strengthening families as a community resource that nurtures the potential in children.
The YMCA preschool program is designed to support the growth and success of children cognitively, physically, emotionally and socially. Using developmentally appropriate materials, curriculum and activities in a play-based environment, your child will be supported in learning social skills, Kindergarten readiness skills and engage in physical activities.
All of these activities help children learn helpfulness and kindness as an introduction to the four core values of the YMCA: caring, responsibility, respect and honesty.
Our programs are licensed by the state of California. Our excellent staff are background cleared through the Department of Justice and trained in CPR, First Aid and Child Abuse Prevention to ensure the safety of your child.
NEW! PRESCHOOL SUMMER DAY CAMP
Looking for a fun and enriching camp experience for your preschooler or T-K child? The Joe and Mary Mottino Family YMCA offers weeklong day camps designed specifically for younger kids who aren’t ready for traditional camps starting at age 5. No preschool enrollment is required to join! Camps run weekly Monday through Friday. Register today!
- Cost: $289–$361/week
- Dates: Weekly session run from June 16–August 1, 2025
- Camp Hours: 8:00am–4:00pm
Weekly Themes:
- Dinosaur Adventures
- Ocean Explorers
- Splish Splash
- Cosmic Kids
- Music Makers
- Little Chef
Give your little one the chance to discover, learn, and play in a safe and supportive environment! Contact Susie Ferrer at sferrer@ymcasd.org, or contact our branch by phone at (760) 758-0808.
Location
Joe and Mary Mottino Family YMCA
4701 Mesa Dr.
Oceanside, CA 92056
Directions via Google Maps
License No. 376300488
PROGRAMS & MONTHLY TUITION
Full-Day Program (8:00am – 5:30pm)
- Open to children ages 2-5
- Registration packets must be completed each year
- The daily schedule includes free play, outdoor exploration, group meetings, curriculum-based activities, early literacy, a family-style snack, rest time and an assembly for stories and songs.
LICENSED PRESCHOOL SPLASH & SWIM
Swim lessons are available for licensed preschool students. Interested in having your toddler get an early start in the water? Our licensed aquatics instructors will guide your little one as they learn water safety and basic swimming skills. Lessons include four 30-minute lessons (one per week in a calendar month). Register today!
ENROLLMENT INFORMATION
- Enrollment open to children 2-5 years of age
- Registration packet must be completed each year.
Joe and Mary Mottino YMCA Preschool registration is now open for 2024-2025. Please contact the Preschool Head, Tonja Handley at thandley@ymcasd.org or call us at (760) 758-0808, if you have any questions or would like a tour of our facilities.
tuition
5 day | mon - fri
Nonmember Pricing: $1,144
Members save up to 15% off with select Y membership
3-day | m/w/f
Nonmember Pricing: $998
Members save up to 15% off with select Y membership
2-day | t/th
Nonmember Pricing: $718
Members save up to 15% off with select Y membership
QUESTIONS?
Have questions about our preschool or need more information? Fill out our interest form below!
what will your preschooler's day will look like?
Our preschool provides a nurturing environment where your child can grow into a creative, independent thinker, develop social-emotional skills, build self-reliance and gain a deep sense of respect and responsibility within our diverse, multicultural community.
WHAT YOUR CHILD NEEDS TO BRING DAILY
- Lunch*
- *Please note we are a nut-free facility
- Reusable water bottle
- Fitted crib sheet
- Blanket
- Diapering supplies (as needed)
FLOW OF THE DAY
FREE PLAY
Children are free to explore various centers in the classroom. Blocks, art, library, science and manipulatives will be some of the available choices.
OUTSIDE EXPLORATION
Children are free to explore the outside environment. Bikes, sand play and other various activities will be available.
GROUP MEETING
The children will meet to further explore the curriculum topics for the day.
SNACK & lunch
A healthy snack will be provided family style. Children will socialize with their peers, learn how to serve themselves and how to properly nourish their bodies.
Two nutritious snacks will be provided daily (morning & afternoon). Snacks meet the licensing guidelines, containing at least one item from 2 of 4 food groups. Children will need to bring their own lunch daily. Please send a lunch with healthy food choices.
Please note we are a nut-free facility.
CURRICULUM EXPERIENCES
Small group experiences that are curriculum focused will be set up for all children to enjoy.
ASSEMBLY
Children will meet to discuss the days events, read stories and sing songs.
EARLY LITERACY
Opportunities for story time and individual book time throughout the day.
REST TIME
All children will be provided a nap in the afternoon. Parents will need to provide a small pillow, crib sheet, blanket and anything else that will make your child feel comfortable at nap time.
Teachers assist children with resting their bodies by patting their backs, dimming the lights and playing soft music.
PRESCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Preschool is closed* the following holidays:
- Preschool Staff Pre-Service & Prep Week (1 week in August)
- Labor Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day & Friday after Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
- New Years Day
- Winter Prep Week (first week of January)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- President’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth
- Independence Day
*Closures subject to change
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Financial assistance and scholarships are available for those families who qualify and are made possible through generous donations to the Annual Support Campaign from members and residents in the community. Though there are financial limits to the YMCA’s ability to provide financial assistance, every effort will be made to assist any family needing aid. Confidential applications are available at the YMCA Welcome Desk or at ymcasd.org/family-resources/paying-child-care
