Programs and Services
For over 40 years Friends of St.Francis has focused on the physical and emotional wellbeing of children in San Francisco. Teachers have a small group of children assigned to them. Our mission is rooted in understanding and supporting the unique needs of every child we serve. Our program work emphasizes environmental and nature-based education, family support, early literacy and math skills, art, music and story telling. Our approach to all toddler and preschool development is guided by trauma-informed care and cultural competence.
Health programs and services
Occupational therapist Julia Harris carries out gross and fine motor screenings for the preschool aged children. Teachers are then guided by her to adapt activities which strengthen their skills in these areas. Parents are informed of their child's development and, when needed, further assessments and referrals are arranged. A parent education program includes an annual presentation by Julia Harris, OTR on Playing to Learn: Brain Development.
Mental Health consultations for parents and staff are provided on site by Esther Wong, LCSW, who is affiliated with the Infant-Parent Program at UCSF.
Annual Vision, Hearing and Dental screenings provided The SF Department of Public Health. In-service training on a range of health-related topics is provided as needed.
Breakfast and Lunch program meets USDA standards. Meals are largely organic from local growers and low in sodium and sugar. nutritionally balanced and tasty. Monthly menus are posted for families in advance.
Nature based programs
Outdoor educator on staff focused on and
outdoor play and Art classes provided by …..field trips
Parent Programs
We invite and encourage all parents to participate in a host of activities including gardening during school hours with the children, planning a trip to a local farm, making quilts with the children during school hours and solicit input and ideas to be co-developed with broader input.