AGENCY
Department of Early Childhood
Find free and low-cost child care and preschool, parenting support, playgroups, developmental screenings, and well-being resources for babies, toddlers, and young children.
AGENCY
Department of Early Childhood
Find free and low-cost child care and preschool, parenting support, playgroups, developmental screenings, and well-being resources for babies, toddlers, and young children.
Putting the pieces together so children can soar
Most families in San Francisco qualify for free or reduced tuition for child care and preschool through the Department of Early Childhood's (DEC) Early Learning For All initiative. Eligibility depends on income and family size.Find free or low-cost child care and preschool in San FranciscoAccess free and low-cost child care and preschool
Check if your family qualifies for free tuition through the Early Learning For All initiative.
Find a Family Resource Center near you
San Francisco Family Resource Centers (FRCs) are welcoming community spaces where parents and caregivers can receive free support as they raise children from birth to 17.
Free developmental screening screenings and connections to local services through Early Connections
The Department of Early Childhood provides free developmental screenings and can connect families to local playgroups and services for children who may need extra support.
Receive a free book each month from the Imagination Library
Once enrolled, children will receive a free, age-appropriate book every month until their 5th birthday.
Services
For parents and caregivers
Get free or low-cost child care and preschool in San Francisco
Most San Francisco families qualify for free or reduced tuition for child care and preschool through the Early Learning For All network. Check if you are eligible.
Get parenting support, answers, and connection at a Family Resource Center near you
Family Resource Centers connect families to essential resources, parent education classes and groups, and lasting support. Find a FRC near you.
Learn more about your child’s development and keep track of important milestones along the way
We offer free resources to help you track your child's early childhood milestones and access developmental screenings.
Find free development and learning groups for children ages 0–3
Developmental playgroups help children build communication, movement, social-emotional, and cognitive skills through fun, hands-on activities. These groups are a good option for families who have questions about their child’s development.
Receive a free book each month from the Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is an amazing program dedicated to inspiring a lifelong love of reading by gifting books to children. Once enrolled, children will receive a free, age-appropriate book every month until their 5th birthday.
Explore the Family Event Calendar
There are Family Resource Centers (FRCs) all over San Francisco! FRCs offer playgroups and classes. They also have parent support groups and more.
Browse the calendar to find events for you and your family.
For partners, grants, and policy
Find funding opportunities
DEC partners with organizations to support young children and families. See our funding opportunities for fiscal year 2025-2026.
Policy and Reports Overview
Explore DEC’s policies and reports to learn about the standards, decisions, and outcomes that guide our work. This section promotes transparency by making key documents easy to find and review.
Get connected to Early Learning For All (external)
The DEC Partner Hub offers resources and information for early care and education providers in the Early Learning For All network. It also explains how providers without city funding can join Early Learning For All and access opportunities and resources in San Francisco.
Get to know DEC's oversight and advisory members
Our oversight and advisory members work closely with the department, providing input and recommendations that help guide the Department’s work and shape priorities.
Building a Stronger System for Every Child: Explore DEC’s 2025 Annual Impact Report
The San Francisco Department of Early Childhood is proud to share our FY 2024-25 Annual Impact Report. Last year, we saw steady and meaningful progress across San Francisco’s early childhood system, thanks to the dedication of families, educators, and community partners...Download the report and read more>>2025 Impact reportAbout
As the City’s largest funder of early childhood, DEC is committed to creating a system that ensures every child can thrive and learn. We provide public investment, expertise, and leadership to put resources into the hands of those who care for our City’s youngest children.
Learn more about usContact information
Address
Department of Early Childhood1650 Mission Street
Suite 312
San Francisco, CA 94103
Suite 312
San Francisco, CA 94103
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