Eligibility for free or low-cost preschool and child care
The Early Learning For All initiative provides financial aid for families in San Francisco based on income and family size. See the 2025-2026 income thresholds to learn if you qualify before you apply.Click here to applyEarly Learning For All offers three levels of financial support.
ELFA free tuition
ELFA free tuition is available to San Francisco families earning up to 110% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
Families in this income range are eligible for free early care and education enrollment at any program in the Early Learning For All network. ELFA programs cannot charge families in this income range any co-pays or other fees.
| Family size | Family monthly income 110% AMI | Family yearly income 110% AMI |
|---|---|---|
1 or 2 | $11,429 | $137,150 |
3 | $12,858 | $154,300 |
4 | $14,288 | $171,450 |
5 | $15,429 | $185,150 |
6 | $16,575 | $198,900 |
7 | $17,717 | $212,600 |
8 | $18,854 | $226,250 |
9 | $20,000 | $240,000 |
10 | $21,142 | $253,700 |
ELFA full tuition credit
The ELFA full tuition credit is available to San Francisco families earning between 111% and 150% of the AMI. Families in this income range receive a credit towards their tuition cost equal to 100% of DEC’s full-time ELFA reimbursement rate at any program in the Early Learning For All network as follows:
- Infants (0 to 24 months): $3,027 per month
- Toddlers (24 to 36 months): $2,306 per month
- Preschoolers (3 to 5 years): $2,115 per month
For families in this income range, ELFA programs can charge a co-pay. The co-pay can be as much as what families who pay privately are charged. Programs can also charge for extra hours and activities.
This means your child’s enrollment will be free or almost free. The exact cost depends on the program’s regular tuition prices and fees.
| Family size | Family monthly income 150% AMI | Family yearly income 150% AMI |
|---|---|---|
1 or 2 | $15,588 | $187,050 |
3 | $17,533 | $210,400 |
4 | $19,483 | $233,800 |
5 | $21,038 | $252,450 |
6 | $22,600 | $271,200 |
7 | $24,158 | $289,900 |
8 | $25,713 | $308,550 |
9 | $27,275 | $327,300 |
10 | $28,833 | $346,000 |
ELFA half tuition credit (effective July 1, 2026)
The ELFA half tuition credit is available to San Francisco families earning between 151% and 200% of the AMI. Families in this income range receive a credit towards their tuition cost equal to 50% of DEC’s full-time ELFA reimbursement rate at any program in the Early Learning For All network as follows:
- Infants (0 to 24 months): $1,514 per month
- Toddlers (24 to 36 months): $1,153 per month
- Preschoolers (3 to 5 years): $1,058 per month
Families in this income range pay the remaining enrollment costs and any extra fees the program charges, based on its current rates.
Note: Families earning between 151%–200% of the Area Median Income cannot apply online for financial help until July 1, 2026. Until then, you have two options:
- Enroll in an ELFA program now.
If you enroll in an Early Learning For All program now, the program will check whether you qualify for financial help or will connect you to a Resource & Referral agency that can help check for you. If you qualify, your tuition discount will begin on July 1, 2026. Until then, you will pay full tuition. - Wait until July 1 to apply online.
Starting July 1, you can apply online. Your eligibility will be checked before you enroll. If you qualify, your tuition discount will start when your child begins care.
In the meantime, explore Early Learning For All programs to find a good fit and see which have openings now or coming soon.
| Family size | Family monthly income 200% AMI | Family yearly income 200% AMI |
|---|---|---|
1 or 2 | $20,783 | $249,400 |
3 | $23,375 | $280,500 |
4 | $25,975 | $311,700 |
5 | $28,050 | $336,600 |
6 | $30,133 | $361,600 |
7 | $32,208 | $386,500 |
8 | $34,283 | $411,400 |
9 | $36,366 | $436,400 |
10 | $38,441 | $461,300 |