Banana Fana Preschool

Overview

Banana Fana Preschool is a Spanish-immersion, play-based early childhood program serving families in San Francisco. The school operates multiple licensed locations and describes an emphasis on hands-on learning, social-emotional development, and preparing children for school readiness while supporting family engagement.

Approach and curriculum

The program is bilingual, providing immersion in Spanish alongside English and uses a play-based approach. Educators use materials and nurturing interactions to support social, emotional and physical development, and the site references the Creative Curriculum as an instructional influence.

Facilities and outdoor play

The Mission District site is described as having thoughtfully laid-out learning areas and proximity to neighborhood playgrounds.
Outdoor play is part of the daily routine, and children typically spend about two hours outside each day in a backyard or on neighborhood trips.

Services, staffing and policies

The Mission center is listed as licensed for 40 children with a planned license increase to 50 (effective April 2025); an in-home location is described as licensed for 14 children (typically enrolling about 12).
Staffing ratios cited for the center location are 1:5; an example ratio for an in-home setting is given as 4 teachers for 12 children.
A wellness team affiliation provides access to an early childhood mental health clinician, pediatric occupational therapist, and pediatric speech & language pathologist through an external consulting partner.
Meals: the program provides two snacks (morning and afternoon); parents supply lunches. The program is not nut-free but can accommodate vegetarians.

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Overview

Approach and curriculum

Facilities and outdoor play

Services, staffing and policies

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