In 2024, DEC helped make San Francisco a great place to raise a family.
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 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.
News & Updates
Strengthening our Coordinated System of Care: Family Resource Center and Early Care and Education Staff Reflect on a Year of Collaboration in Working Groups
Yesterday, DEC co-hosted a gathering with the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL), uniting Family Resource Centers (FRCs), Family Child Care (FCCs), and Early Care and Education (ECEs) providers to foster
The Joy of Effective Strategies: Celebrating Kindergarten Readiness with SFUSD
Yesterday, 70 early educators joined DEC and the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) for “The Joy of Effective Strategies,” an event to discuss and celebrate the positive and increasing
Press Release: The San Francisco Department of Early Childhood Invests $15 Million in Pathways Program to Strengthen Early Education Workforce
San Francisco – The Department of Early Childhood (DEC) is investing boldly in the future of early childhood education by launching its Early Educator Pathways Program. Over the next two
Celebrating remarkable milestones: Read DEC’s 2024 Annual Impact Report
The Department of Early Childhood is thrilled to announce the release of our 2024 Annual Impact Report. Every year has been exciting, but this year, we are celebrating a truly
Why we’ve invested $46 million to increase early educator wages
In a city known for its innovation and commitment to progress, DEC is taking bold steps to ensure San Francisco’s future is brighter than ever! Research shows that investing in
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
The Joy of Effective Strategies: Celebrating Kindergarten Readiness with SFUSD
Yesterday, 70 early educators joined DEC and the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) for “The Joy of Effective Strategies,” an event to discuss and celebrate the positive and increasing
Press Release: The San Francisco Department of Early Childhood Invests $15 Million in Pathways Program to Strengthen Early Education Workforce
San Francisco – The Department of Early Childhood (DEC) is investing boldly in the future of early childhood education by launching its Early Educator Pathways Program. Over the next two
Celebrating remarkable milestones: Read DEC’s 2024 Annual Impact Report
The Department of Early Childhood is thrilled to announce the release of our 2024 Annual Impact Report. Every year has been exciting, but this year, we are celebrating a truly