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2024 Annual Impact Report

two young girls smiling, sliding down outdoor slide with arms up

The San Francisco Department of Early Childhood (DEC) works to give every child the best start in life and make our city a great place to raise a family. In 2024, we expanded access to early learning, strengthened family support, and celebrated a remarkable rebound in kindergarten readiness.

Read on to learn more about how DEC is making an impact.

A Note From Our Executive Director

Headshot of Ingrid Mezquita

As the San Francisco Department of Early Childhood embarks on another year, we continue to lead the nation in delivering transformative early childhood services.

This year, we are celebrating a remarkable milestone: a major rebound in kindergarten readiness for children entering school in San Francisco. Readiness scores are now 68% overall, the highest they’ve been in over a decade. We see improvements across all racial/ethnic groups and subgroups. As we continue to navigate national post-pandemic challenges, this progress reflects the impact of our collective investments in early education access, early educator compensation, social and emotional learning, and individualized early childhood programs.

We are thrilled to have more families participating in locally funded early care and education programs, family resource centers, and developmental screenings for the third straight year in a row. New initiatives like the Sparkler mobile app give families tools to help support their children’s development, while early educator wages have increased by as much as 47%, ensuring the vital early education workforce is recognized and supported.

Together, we are creating a foundation where every child in San Francisco can thrive. Thank you for your partnership in this critical work as we build on these successes and embrace the opportunities ahead.

—Ingrid Mezquita, Executive Director of the San Francisco Department of Early Childhood

In FY 23-24 DEC invested...

A toddler sits at a table in a daycare, feeding herself
in early learning tuition
$ 0 M
Teacher sits at a table with preschool students laughing while doing an activity
in workforce compensation
$ 0 M
in Family Resource Centers
$ 0 M
in new child care facilities
$ 0 M

in professional development and training

$ 0 M

Our Impact by the Numbers

10%

increase in overall kindergarten readiness since 2021

children at craft table

7,882

children enrolled in free child care through Early Learning For All

34%

more children eligible for early learning financial support

30

child care sites added to the Early Learning For All network

young girl playing with bubbles outside

16

new early learning facility developments were funded, creating space for 265 more children

teacher helping young child cut with scissors

3,007

educators received higher compensation, with increased wages as much as 47%, through the Workforce Compensation Initiative

5,706

children screened for developmental delays or special needs, a 23% increase from last year

baby crawling toward camera outside with parents in background

11,254

children and families participated in parenting classes, playgroups, events, and other activities at Family Resource Centers

Our Impact on Kindergarten Readiness

Since the Department of Early Childhood launched, children are entering kindergarten significantly better prepared to succeed.

This is an exciting moment. Children are more likely to do well in kindergarten when they start school with the foundational skills they’ll need to succeed. But kindergarten readiness doesn’t stop there. It continues to benefit students all the way through high school graduation.

10%

overall increase in kindergarten readiness from 2021 to 2024

9%

increase in readiness among African American and Latino children

San Francisco is one of the only major cities in the country where kindergarten readiness data shows gains, and we are excited that the needle is moving quickly.

Kindergarten readiness now exceeds pre-pandemic levels in nearly all demographics. These increases will have lasting impacts on the success of San Francisco’s children. 

Kindergarten Readiness of Entering SFUSD Students by Race/Ethnicity and Special Needs

No Data Found

A Race Equity Focus

Many factors contribute to children’s readiness for kindergarten, among them race, gender, home language, and family environment. Achieving equitable outcomes for all children requires intentional effort and dedication to race equity.

These gains in kindergarten readiness across all student populations reflect DEC’s steadfast dedication to breaking down barriers and creating an inclusive early childhood system that works for everyone.

DEC is deeply committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to the resources and support they need to thrive.

What is Kindergarten Readiness?

Kindergarten readiness tells us if a child has the skills they need to do well in kindergarten. During the first six weeks of each new school year, every incoming SFUSD kindergartener is assessed on key literacy skills, social-emotional learning, wellness, and early math skills.

By examining all these areas, we create a snapshot of each child’s readiness for the requirements of kindergarten.

Graphic adapted from Applied Survey Research

Kindergarten Academics

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Self-Regulation

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Social Expression

Self-Care and Motor Skills

Kindergarten Academics

Self-Regulation

Social Expression

Self-Care and Motor Skills

Why Increases In Kindergarten Readiness Matter

Getting children ready for kindergarten is like laying the first stone on a path to a bright future. Research shows that how prepared a child is for kindergarten can significantly impact how well they do in important outcomes including behavior, attendance, and academic performance, from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Children who start kindergarten ready are more likely to succeed, while those who start behind often struggle to catch up. By investing in our youngest learners right from the start, we can create a positive, lasting change for our children and our city.

Being fully ready for kindergarten makes a big difference in later grades.*

Children who are ready for kindergarten:

Demonstrate higher scores in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math standardized tests

Are less likely to be suspended

Are more likely to graduate high school on time

How DEC Is Impacting Kindergarten Readiness

What sets San Francisco apart? Since 2022, DEC has developed initiatives that focus on the factors proven to contribute to kindergarten readiness. We are creating a unique “system of care” that strategically supports families and young children:

Financial support for families to help make high-quality early care and education accessible to all SF residents.

Early educator compensation, professional development, and quality supports that value our teaching workforce and equip them to deliver high-quality early learning experiences for children.

Child health screenings and consultations to ensure kids are healthy and ready to learn.

Family Resource Centers that connect families to vital support and resources.

This all-hands-on-deck approach makes San Francisco a standout city for kindergarten readiness. We’re not just measuring readiness—we’re making it happen!

Our Strategies

Over the past year, DEC has deepened its investments and expanded initiatives to support young children and the adults who care for them. By taking a multi-generational approach, we continue to strengthen families and amplify our impact across the community.

Explore DEC’s progress and the positive outcomes of our initiatives and investments below.