Welcome!
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.
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.
OTHER RESOURCES
FOR FAMILIES
Growing together in early childhood.
We believe that the educators, community partners, and spaces where children grow, learn, and thrive are what make us strong. Together we can advance benefits, provide tools and training and connect children and their families to the city and beyond.
News & Updates
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,
Making Magic at the First Annual SFQC Infant/Toddler Conference
Over 100 early childhood educators, coaches, and consultants gathered on June 9 and 10 for San Francisco’s first infant/toddler conference, hosted by DEC and WestEd. The event, Pathways to Security,
The Fun Has Just Begun: DEC’s Family Resource Centers Celebrated SF’s Week of the Young Child
Every year during the first week of April, communities across the nation celebrate the Week of the Young Child to honor and uplift the importance of early learning, young children,
LISTEN: Child Care is Getting More Affordable in S.F. with DEC’s Wei-min Wang
In an interview on KQED’s podcast, The Bay, Wei-min Wang from our team, recently shared how Child Care is Getting More Affordable in S.F. Listen here! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bay/id1350043452?i=1000613049906 Child care is
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,