Meet San Francisco’s Department of Early Childhood.
We partner with all of the adults who care for young children, so that together we can create healthier, happier, and more imaginative childhoods. And that makes the city a better place to live for us all.
Putting the pieces together so children can soar.
In 2023, DEC made San Francisco an even better place for families.
Parents, we're here for you.
Parenting is hard sometimes. That’s why we put parents at the center of what we do. DEC is the City department solely dedicated to our youngest children. We work to support San Francisco families through partnerships, family services, and early childhood programs. As a result, we are making it easier to raise young children in the city we love.
RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
Growing together in early childhood.
Our city is committed to early childhood strategies that have the power to impact the health and well-being of our youngest residents positively. The DEC strategic plan results from a community-wide effort and represents our commitment to transforming belief into action.
News & Updates
Making Magic at the First Annual SFQC Infant/Toddler Conference
Over 100 early childhood educators, coaches, and consultants gathered on June 9 and 10 for San Francisco’s first infant/toddler conference, hosted by DEC and WestEd. The event, Pathways to Security,
The Fun Has Just Begun: DEC’s Family Resource Centers Celebrated SF’s Week of the Young Child
Every year during the first week of April, communities across the nation celebrate the Week of the Young Child to honor and uplift the importance of early learning, young children,
LISTEN: Child Care is Getting More Affordable in S.F. with DEC’s Wei-min Wang
In an interview on KQED’s podcast, The Bay, Wei-min Wang from our team, recently shared how Child Care is Getting More Affordable in S.F. Listen here! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bay/id1350043452?i=1000613049906 Child care is