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 years, DEC will award grants to eight partner agencies—Wu Yee, Felton, Edvance, San Francisco State University, Children’s Council, Mission Neighborhood Centers, Compass, and ECE Step—to expand college courses, degree programs, and paid apprenticeships for aspiring and current early educators. This program is designed to attract new talent, strengthen career pathways, and elevate the profession, ensuring San Francisco’s youngest learners receive high-quality early care and education.
“The Pathways program marks a critical moment for early childhood education in our city,” said Ingrid Mezquita, Executive Director of the San Francisco Department of Early Childhood. “By increasing access to higher education, training, and financial support, we are opening doors for new educators and strengthening the careers of those already dedicated to this critical work. The impact of this investment will be felt for generations to come.”
The Pathways program prioritizes workforce diversity and career mobility, breaking down barriers to higher education and providing tailored resources for underrepresented groups. With structured pathways from a high school diploma to a Master’s degree, the program ensures that early educators have the support they need at every stage of their professional journey.
Investing in early educators means investing in San Francisco’s children and families. By growing and supporting this vital workforce, the Early Educator Pathways program will help early learning programs recruit, retain, and advance early educators—ultimately strengthening the foundation of early learning across the city.
“Early educators are the heart of our communities, shaping the foundation of lifelong learning for our youngest children,” said Daniel Lurie, mayor of the City and County of San Francisco. “By investing in their stability and growth, we strengthen the early childhood system, expand access for families, and align with our vision of a more affordable and family-friendly City for all.”
Resources available to early educators through the Pathways Program include:
- Academic Scholarships: Financial aid for earning bachelor’s and associate degrees and completing required courses.
- Core Support Services: Resources like tutoring, laptops, and textbooks to assist with education.
- Paid Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training: Practical experience to build skills and knowledge.
- Personalized Coaching: One-on-one guidance from experienced professionals.
- Stipends: Financial support as recognition for contributions to the field.
The Pathways program is a cornerstone of DEC’s Workforce Initiative, strategically designed to complement the Workforce Compensation program. This program directly supports educators through stipends and wage augmentation grants while incentivizing advanced education and qualifications. San Francisco sets the national standard in early childhood investments with an unparalleled commitment of nearly $50 million annually, ensuring competitive pay, career stability, and a highly skilled early care and education workforce dedicated to giving every child the strongest start in life.
These two groundbreaking programs of DEC’s Workforce Initiative have transformed San Francisco’s early care and education into a sustainable, rewarding career path that offers financial stability, upward mobility, and continuous professional growth. The city’s investment strengthens the foundation of early educators’ careers and enhances the learning experiences of young children, elevating the overall quality of early education and shaping a stronger future for San Francisco’s families.
About the San Francisco Department of Early Childhood
The San Francisco Department of Early Childhood leads citywide efforts to ensure that all children, from birth to age five, have access to high-quality early care and education, health and development, and family support services. DEC is building a stronger foundation for San Francisco’s youngest residents through innovative programs, strategic investments, and collaborative partnerships. To learn more about DEC and its Early Learning programs, visit sfdec.org