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
SF’s Workforce Compensation Initiative Provides a Blueprint for Other Cities
DEC’s Workforce Compensation initiative is providing a blueprint for other cities looking to increase early educator compensation! In a recent report from Bank Street College of Education, Paths Forward to
Early Intervention and Specialized Services System of Care Request for Grant Applications is Now Open!
The Department of Early Childhood is guided by long-standing research, which shows that the first five years are a critical time of growth and development for young children. Thus, it
Family Resource Center Request For Grant Applications is Open!
It is with excitement and gratitude that the Department of Early Childhood (DEC) announces the launch of the fourth funding cycle for the Family Resource Center Initiative and this corresponding
Connecting to SF Families: DEC’s Weekend of Family Engagement around the City
If you were strolling through San Francisco this weekend, you may have seen DEC’s table. We were out and about, getting to know the children and parents in three of
A Brighter Future for San Francisco’s Children: Early Education Milestones and Aspirations
Every half-decade, the San Francisco Child Care Planning and Advisory Council (CPAC), in partnership with the Department of Early Childhood (DEC), undertakes a significant endeavor: crafting a comprehensive needs assessment
Expanding Access to Quality Child Care in San Francisco: Financial Support for Early Learning Programs
San Francisco has always been at the forefront when it comes to prioritizing early childhood education and ensuring that every child has access to high-quality care. In a remarkable move,
National Leadership through Local Action: House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Whip Katherine Clark Look to DEC as a Model for Early Childhood Investment.
Image Description: From left to right: Jerry Yang, Executive Director, Kai Ming Head Start; Monique Guidry, Owner, Guidry Early Child Care and Education Program; Nancy Pelosi, Speaker Emerita, United States
The Power of Connection in Education: Highlights from the Attachment Innovation Challenge
Over the weekend, DEC hosted the “Attachment Innovation Challenge” in collaboration with our funded partners at WestEd. This event encouraged early educators to devise creative solutions to foster secure attachment
Building a Coordinated System of Care Through Strong Relationships: Family Resource Center and Early Care and Education Staff Meet, Greet, and Share
DEC was created to better align and coordinate all City-funded supports available to families with children from prenatal to five. Funding and oversight of critical family supports like the Family