Rancho Family YMCA Opens New Preschool

• Designed from a child’s perspective, the preschool expands access to licensed early childhood education.
• The Y’s approach emphasizes play, exploration and social development.
• Enrollment open now; preschool to welcome students on August 10.

SAN DIEGO – June 2, 2026 – The Rancho Family YMCA celebrated the opening of a new preschool Tuesday, marking the completion of a major investment in early childhood education and family services in Rancho Peñasquitos.

Designed for children ages 2 to 5, the new preschool expands access to licensed early learning at a time when many San Diego families struggle to find affordable child care.

“This is about much more than a building,” said Blaze Zarev, executive director of the Rancho Family YMCA. “It’s about creating a place where children can learn, grow and develop the skills they need to thrive.”

Designed from a child’s perspective, the preschool features classrooms, bathrooms, furnishings, lighting and outdoor learning spaces built around best practices in early childhood education. The YMCA’s approach emphasizes learning through play, exploration and social connection.

Research shows the first five years of life are critical to brain development. Quality early education helps children build communication skills, resilience, healthy relationships and a foundation for lifelong learning.

“The first five years of life are some of the most important in a child’s development,” said Jennifer Hardy, Association Program Specialist of Child and Youth Development for the Y’s Childcare Resource Services. “This preschool was intentionally designed to create an environment where children can learn, explore, build relationships and develop the skills they need for future success.”

The new preschool also reflects the YMCA’s commitment to ensuring all children have the opportunity to succeed. Through financial assistance and scholarship programs, the YMCA works to make quality early childhood education accessible to families.

The opening comes as the YMCA continues to expand services across its Rancho campus, which recently completed improvements to fitness and wellness spaces, group exercise studios, locker rooms and community gathering areas. Together, the projects are intended to strengthen the YMCA’s role as a hub for youth development, healthy living and social connection.

The Rancho Family YMCA has served the Rancho Peñasquitos community since 1995 and currently supports thousands of members through childcare, camps, aquatics, youth sports, wellness programs and community services.

Enrollment is now open for the new Rancho YMCA Preschool, with the first day of school scheduled for Aug. 10. For more information, please visit www.ymcasd.org/rancho.