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.
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News & Updates
A Library in Every Home: Free Books for San Francisco’s Youngest Readers
The San Francisco Department of Early Childhood (DEC), in partnership with San Francisco Public Library, have partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to bring the love of learning to San
Press Release: San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and City Officials Launch Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Every child in the City is eligible to receive a free book monthly until their 5th birthday San Francisco, CA – September 12, 2025 – In a historic expansion of
Creating “Safety in the Spaces Between” at DEC’s 2025 Infant/Toddler Conference
Approximately 240 early childhood educators, coaches, consultants, and advocates gathered on June 12, 13, and 14 for San Francisco’s third infant/toddler conference, hosted by DEC and WestEd. The event was
DEC Launches Celebrating Young Children Events Across San Francisco
The Department of Early Childhood is partnering with 26 Family Resource Centers (FRCs) throughout San Francisco to ensure a healthy start for the city’s children. FRCs play a vital role
Reflecting on DEC’s Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation During Mental Health Awareness Month
As this year’s Mental Health Awareness month comes to a close, we reflect on a pillar of our work at the Department of Early Childhood (DEC): promoting children’s healthy social
Press Release: San Francisco Department of Early Childhood Announces Early Connections
San Francisco, CA — The Department of Early Childhood (DEC), the city’s largest funder of early childhood programs dedicated to the safe and healthy development of young children, is proud
A Library in Every Home: Free Books for San Francisco’s Youngest Readers
The San Francisco Department of Early Childhood (DEC), in partnership with San Francisco Public Library, have partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to bring the love of learning to San
Press Release: San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and City Officials Launch Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Every child in the City is eligible to receive a free book monthly until their 5th birthday San Francisco, CA – September 12, 2025 – In a historic expansion of
Creating “Safety in the Spaces Between” at DEC’s 2025 Infant/Toddler Conference
Approximately 240 early childhood educators, coaches, consultants, and advocates gathered on June 12, 13, and 14 for San Francisco’s third infant/toddler conference, hosted by DEC and WestEd. The event was