Our 2025 Annual Impact Report is now live!
Mayor Lurie just announced a historic expansion of free and low cost childcare!
Putting the pieces together so children can soar.
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.
Parents, we're here for you.
Parenting can be hard, which is 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 by funding family services and early childhood programs. DEC is here to make it easier to raise young children in San Francisco.
RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
Growing together in early childhood.
Early childhood educators and partners help children grow, learn, and thrive. They make our city stronger. We work together to give children and families amazing resources in our city.
Enroll in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Sign up today to receive a free book every month!
News & Updates
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
Press Release: Mayor Breed’s Children and Family Recovery Plan Delivers Major Results in Early Care and Education
This press release was originally published February 27, 2024 on SF.GOV. Read the original here. Landmark educator pay initiative and investments in facilities and vouchers for low-income families has dramatically doubled
First of its Kind Longitudinal Study Reaffirms DEC’s Investments to Support Kindergarten Readiness
A new study that followed San Francisco Unified School District students from the time they entered kindergarten until they turned eighteen, demonstrates the critical importance of investing in children and
In 2023, DEC Made San Francisco an Even Better Place for Families
This year, we changed the game for parents in our city. Our new strategic plan, published this year, set the stage for lots of innovative and impactful new initiatives to
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
Announcing DEC’s Innovative Communications and Community Engagement Plan to Reach Families Where They Are
We are thrilled to announce the release of the San Francisco Department of Early Childhood’s (DEC) Communications and Community Engagement Plan for 2023-2027. This plan marks a significant milestone in
Announcing Exciting Changes for Our Family Resource Center Initiative
DEC is proud to announce the commencement of a new funding cycle for our Family Resource Center Initiative! The Family Resource Center Initiative provides essential resources and support for families
The Magic Continues at DEC’s Second Infant/Toddler Conference
Over 200 early childhood educators, coaches, consultants, and advocates gathered on June 7 and 8 for San Francisco’s second infant/toddler conference, hosted by DEC and WestEd. The event was an