Location

We are located in beautiful San Geronimo Valley, at the corner of Sir Francis Drake Blvd and Nicasio Valley Road, 5 miles west of Fairfax. Our physical address is 6001 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. We proudly serve families looking for preschools in Fairfax, San Anselmo, Petaluma, and San Rafael as well as West Marin towns such as Nicasio, Lagunitas, and Forest Knolls.

History

The school began in 1962 as an informal nursery school started by the church pastor to provide a job for a single mom in the community.  It grew and was licensed as the San Geronimo Nursery School in 1966 as the first licensed childcare program in the San Geronimo Valley.  In the 1990’s it became the San Geronimo Preschool, and in 2002, the San Geronimo Preschool and Childcare Center.

In May 2018, the San Geronimo Childcare Center was incorporated as an independent 501c3 non-profit organization, with its own board and staff.  About 25% of the children come from “over-the-hill” in Fairfax and San Anselmo.

Facilities

The Childcare Center is located on the San Geronimo Community Presbyterian Church campus.  The classrooms and play yards are self-contained and secure, and there is ample off-street parking.  In addition to the classrooms and play yards, the Center has access to the campus grounds for exploratory walks and other activities. 

The school originally operated in what were constructed as flexible educational and meeting rooms.  In 2002, the church began a major facilities renovation and expansion project, which included the complete redesign and expansion of the childcare facilities and play area.  With the help of nationally recognized childcare space designer (and Fairfax resident) Louis Torelli, separate preschool and toddler facilities were created.  Each has its own classroom, food prep and toilet areas, and an age appropriate play yard.  The building renovation and expansion was completed in 2012.  The play yard area was enlarged and is being improved as funding becomes available. Approximately 80% of the work has been done by volunteers, including school parents.

Staff

Over the years there have been many teachers, most members of our local community. The current staff bring a wealth of training, experience and dedication to their work.  They provide excellent small group and individual care. Teacher/child ratios are 1/4 in the toddler program and 1/8 in the preschool and Pre-K programs.