2026 DEC SFQC Infant/Toddler Conference
The registration period for the 2026 DEC SFQC Infant/Toddler Conference has closed.
DEC SFQC’s fourth annual conference is a two-day event designed especially for early educators working with children from birth to age 3.
Please make sure you note the important dates and requirements described below.
About the Conference
Over two days, you will have the opportunity to participate in sessions addressing the core needs of infants and toddlers and exploring strategies for building more meaningful relationships within early education settings.
Our hope is that you will deepen your understanding of the critical role of attachment relationships in all of our lives, connect with colleagues in San Francisco’s growing infant/toddler community, and find the inspiration to make magic happen for babies.
The conference theme—Safety to Grow, Space to Bloom—speaks to children’s need for safety and security as they navigate experiences of separation and loss.
Dates
Fri, June 12, 10 am to Sat, June 13, 2026, 4 pm
Special Topics Pre-Conference Session
We are pleased to again offer an optional special topics pre-conference session on Thursday, June 11, 12:30-4:30 pm, focusing on a specific context for understanding and integrating attachment theory.
Our 2026 special topics session is entitled “Attachment in Context: Supporting Emotional Development for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder” and is limited to 60 participants. The pre-conference session is only open to attendees of the regular conference and a separate registration will be required.
Location
SFO Marriott Waterfront
1800 Old Bayshore Highway
Burlingame, CA 94010
415.392.8000
Application Process
Registration is only open to those who commit to attending the entire event. Space is limited.
March 2 – 15 Applications accepted
March 23 – April 11 Acceptance letters sent via email*
*You must respond by the deadline to confirm your attendance and secure a spot at the conference. If placed on the waitlist, you will receive further information via email
To Apply
Who Should Apply?
All qualified* San Francisco early childhood educators serving infants and toddlers are invited and encouraged to apply—this includes family child care educators, center-based staff, coaches, and consultants. Please note that children should not accompany attendees at the conference.
*Active San Francisco Early Learning for All (ELFA) or pre-ELFA participants, coaches, and consultants
Simultaneous Interpretation
All conference sessions will be delivered or interpreted in Cantonese, English, and Spanish, and conference materials will be provided in these languages.
Registration
Thanks to the generous support of the San Francisco Department of Early Childhood (DEC), conference fees, lodging, meals, and parking will be covered for qualified** attendees.
**Early Learning for All or pre-Early Learning for All participants, coaches, and consultants in good standing
Frequently Asked Questions
Center-based and family child care educators serving infants and toddlers in San Francisco are welcome and strongly encouraged to apply, as well as site managers or administrators supervising infant/toddler programs. The conference is also open to a limited number of coaches and consultants supporting infant/toddler educators. Priority is given to educators directly caring for infants and toddlers. Application is open to Early Learning for All (ELFA) or pre-ELFA participants, coaches, and consultants in good standing.
Space is limited, and priority will be given to participants currently working with infants and toddlers.
All conference costs (including registration fees, lodging, meals, and parking) are funded by the San Francisco Department of Early Childhood, so there is no cost to attendees. For this reason, and because space is limited, participants must commit to attending the entire conference. If your plans have changed, please notify us as soon as possible at [email protected] to cancel so that we may offer your slot to someone on the waiting list. Late cancellations and no-shows may jeopardize your ability to attend future conferences.
No. Your registration includes a single-occupancy hotel room.
No. Your hotel room will be reserved and paid for by the conference team under your name. You do not need to check in at the hotel front desk. Instead, you will receive your hotel room key at the conference registration desk—either on Thursday or Friday, depending on your arrival. If you need to store your luggage before receiving your key, you may do so at the hotel’s front desk.
Yes, we will enter 13 hours into the Registry for participants who attend the full conference and an additional 4 hours for participants who attend the pre-conference session. Partial credit will not be given.
Conference hours may be used to meet the training requirement in Child Development/Learning Foundations (Early Learning San Francisco Quality Standard 8: Professional Development).
All sessions will be conducted or interpreted in Cantonese, English, and Spanish. Conference handouts will also be available in these languages.
Each participant must register individually, but please encourage your fellow infant/toddler educators to apply!
The conference begins at 10 am on Friday, June 12 check-in and breakfast start at 8:30 am) and ends at 4 pm on Saturday, June 13. The schedule includes plenary sessions; reflective breakout sessions; breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily; dinner on Friday; and Superbloom, a magical and super fun evening networking event!
Please note: Superbloom is for registered attendees only and your conference badge will be required for entry. We regret that we are unable to accommodate children or other guests.
The pre-conference session begins at 12:30 pm (registration and lunch begin at 11:30 am) and ends at 4:30 pm on Thursday, June 11.
Unfortunately, no. Your family may stay with you in your hotel room, but the conference (including meals) is for registered adult attendees only.
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with potential illness, please take care of your colleagues and yourself by staying home.