San Marcos Parent-Child Workshop

San Marcos Parent-Child Workshop is a not-for-profit, cooperative preschool and afternoon child care program for ages 2-5. Children choose from activities that rotate daily, including block play, dramatic role-playing, housekeeping, books, games and puzzles, manipulative toys, writing, cooking, science, crafts and art activities, a zip-line, space to build, run, and explore, woodworking, animal care, sandbox play, water play, a climbing structure, bikes, trikes and scooters, large blocks, ladders, and planks. The program offers an AM Cooperative Program, a PM Program, and an extended afternoon program for registered children.

Programs

• AM Cooperative Program — Ages 2-5 · Mon-Fri 8:45 am-12:00 pm; 1:00 pm late pickup available · $110–$550 per month · Play-based; caregivers participate one morning per week; one-weekday workday from 8:30 to 12:30; drop-ins available and must be pre-approved; materials fee $30/month; deposits required.
• PM Program — Ages 2-5 · Mon-Fri 12:00 pm-3:30 pm; 5:00 pm pickup available · $160–$800 per month · Play-based; no parent involvement required; drop-ins allowed and based on availability; extended afternoon until 5:00 pm is available.

At a glance

• Ages: 2–5 years old
• Price range: $110–$800 per month
• General schedule: Rolling enrollment. AM Cooperative Program meets Monday-Friday 8:45 am-12:00 pm. PM Program meets Monday-Friday 12:00 pm-3:30 pm. Extended afternoon program runs 3:30 pm-5:00 pm for registered children.

About the provider

The program opened in 1959. Its leadership team includes Suzy Granziera, Program Director, Co-op Morning Instructor and SBCC Parent Education Instructor; Amanda Gilbert, Assistant Director, Co-op Morning Instructor, SBCC Parent Education Instructor; and Krista Moore, Head Afternoon Care Teacher. Caregivers attend a weekly evening parent education class, and the school offers music classes from local artists and teachers, along with visits from dentists, fire fighters, tow trucks, and more.

• Extended afternoon program — Mon-Fri 3:30 pm-5:00 pm · For registered children.

Not-for-profit, cooperative preschool and afternoon child care program. Caregivers in the co-operative morning program participate actively one morning a week and attend a weekly evening parent education class. All preschool families are required to participate actively in school committees. There are no refunds for illness or family vacations. Late fee of $15 for payments received after the 5th of each month. Deposits of $50 for returning families and $100 for new families are required. Classes are offered during the Fall and Spring semesters.

What families say

“Delighted with how my kids WANT to go to school and are recieved with so much warmth, as if part of the family, from both the teachers and other parents.” — Chail Norton

“Children busy and delighted in outdoor exploration... shadow tag, rope climbing, bug identification, hammering nails into wood. Enter inside and hear youth conversations over a nest display, stacking tall towers, and writing practice at tables with paperpads. It’s a special place for learning and living, both for big and small.” — Sarah Avila-Battle

“Loved, loved, loved SMPCW - was fantastic for our daughters and for us as parents. So much richer an experience than paying and dropping off.” — Paula Cassin

Last updated October 10, 2026.