Welcome to UCSF at Kirkham Child Development Center

Alternate Text

Upcoming Events for Families

Fall Family Festival

September 24 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Bring the whole family for hands-on fall activities - all are welcome!

Alternate Text

Meet Our Teaching Team

Glory, Daycare Lead Teacher, UCSF at Kirkham Child Development Center, San Francisco, CA

Glory

I love teaching because: I became a teacher because I have a passion working with children and love watching them grow.

Teaching since: 2019

Willa, Daycare Substitute, UCSF at Kirkham Child Development Center, San Francisco, CA

Willa

I love teaching because: I enjoy teaching young children and experiencing the uniqueness of each child and their excitement when they solve problems.

Teaching since: 2008

Kasey, Daycare Lead Teacher, UCSF at Kirkham Child Development Center, San Francisco, CA

Kasey

I love teaching because: As a teacher, I am inspired by the AHA moments in the classroom and watching children learn to be self-sufficient.

Teaching since: 2017

Yuki, Daycare Teacher, UCSF at Kirkham Child Development Center, San Francisco, CA

Yuki

I love teaching because: I love teaching because children are innocent and curious to learn. I love to be able to create new experiences for them.

Teaching since: 2000

Valerie, Daycare Assistant Director, UCSF at Kirkham Child Development Center, San Francisco, CA

Valerie

I love Bright Horizons because: I love having an impact on their lives and being a part of their community.

In education since: 2000

Nghia, Daycare Teacher, UCSF at Kirkham Child Development Center, San Francisco, CA

Nghia

I love teaching because: I became a teacher because I have always had a passion working with children and I am continuously inspired by how fast they learn and grow.

Teaching since: 2013

Decorative element

Frequently Asked Questions

While terms may vary, the core mission of transitional kindergarten and pre-k is the same: preparing children for kindergarten.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Preschool serves younger children (typically ages 2–4) and focuses on foundational learning through play.
  • Transitional kindergarten and pre-k / kindergarten prep are more structured programs tailored to children who are nearing kindergarten age.
  • Public transitional kindergarten programs may follow modified kindergarten standards and are typically state funded.
  • Bright Horizons’ kindergarten prep follows a research-based, age-appropriate curriculum that mirrors the developmental goals of transitional kindergarten — with added flexibility and individualized attention.

In a transitional kindergarten setting, your children enjoy a more structured curriculum than pre-k. This includes incorporating a modified kindergarten curriculum that develops early literacy, math, executive function, and social-emotional skills, such as following directions and taking turns.


For job listings and to complete the application process, please visit www.brighthorizons.com/careers.


Bright Horizons conducts a comprehensive background check on all prospective employees and frequent visitors. The background check consists of a county criminal record check for the past seven years performed in all counties that a person has lived, worked or attended school. In addition to the county criminal search , a sex offender search, OFAC search and a social security verification trace are also conducted. For all location employees, program licensing background checks required by the state are also performed.


All Bright Horizons staff are trained regularly in CPR, even if not required by the state. First Aid is taught as required by state licensing agency/regulations so that you can feel confident that your child is safe and receiving the best care possible at our center.


Yes, Bright Horizons has an open door policy.  You are encouraged to visit your child anytime.