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Historic Expansion to Early Learning Access & Participation

teacher and child interacting at craft table

San Francisco’s child and family landscape has transformed remarkably in recent years. Families in San Francisco are increasingly prioritizing early learning, enrolling in City-funded programs more than ever before. Enrollment has increased by 8% in 3 years, despite an overall decrease in the number of young children in the City. In fact, San Francisco continues to lead the state in preschool enrollment by a wide margin!

Better yet, San Francisco has also seen a dramatic increase in the number of infants and toddlers enrolled in child care. This is a result of DEC’s strategic approach to supporting children and families. San Francisco is one of the only cities in the country that uses local funding to help families pay for early care for infants and toddlers, rather that only offering financial support for preschool. From birth to five years old, families in San Francisco can receive free or low-cost early learning.

Percentage of children ages 0-5 enrolled in City-funded ECE programs

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Percentage of 3-and-4-Year-Olds Enrolled in Preschool in San Francisco Compared to California

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Data Highlights

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Children received FREE early learning

From 2018 to 2024, the number of infants enrolled increased by 87%

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18% increase in toddler enrollment in the past year

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More children are now eligible for subsidized child care thanks to new expanded eligibility

Since 2018, the waitlist has decreased 73%, even as we continue to expand eligibility!

“Without the support of Early Learning For All, I would not have been able to afford child care. But with DEC’s support, both of my sons had the opportunity to get a head start with their education and to attend one of the best early learning nature schools in San Francisco. Ultimately, I was able to return to work and raise my children in my native city of San Francisco with the help of Early Learning For All.”

– Sarah S., mother of two attending Baby Steps Family Child Care