What We Do
Every child has incredible potential. We believe that supporting children’s growth, both physically and mentally, from before they’re born through their first five years of life is the key to unlocking their abilities and preparing them for success in school and beyond.
Investing in young learners and their families is a step towards a brighter future for all of us in San Francisco. DEC is San Francisco’s only department solely dedicated to supporting families and children during their first five years. Through our leadership, investment, and advocacy in early education, child health, and family support, we aim to create a city where every child can thrive.
When we say ‘every child,’ we truly mean it. For far too long, children have been negatively impacted by systemic racism, creating persistent disparities in access to the early childhood experiences and resources that support success. DEC is actively working to address racialized outcomes in kindergarten readiness and to advance racial equity across our system of care, by improving the user experience, accessibility, and delivery of all our funded programs and services.
Our Impact
Our vision is nothing short of every child in San Francisco having the best start in life, and all families feeling that our city is a great place to raise a family. See how we’re working toward those goals.
Our Initiatives
Learn how we are funding and leading initiatives to support San Francisco’s families through our three core strategies:
- Early Learning
- Child Health
- Family Strength
Policy Agenda
DEC works with institutions to help create and navigate local, state, and federal policies that enhance children’s health, knowledge, and well-being. Our policy agenda outlines what we are working towards on current and emerging early childhood policy issues.
Highlighted News and Updates
Popping-Up with the People: Bringing Information, Resources and Joy to the Bayview Pop-Up Village’s Youth Future Zone
The Pop-Up Village is a site activation project that harnesses the power of design to bring together people and programs in vibrant and thoughtfully selected public spaces. Its mission is
National Leadership through Local Action: House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Whip Katherine Clark Look to DEC as a Model for Early Childhood Investment.
Image Description: From left to right: Jerry Yang, Executive Director, Kai Ming Head Start; Monique Guidry, Owner, Guidry Early Child Care and Education Program; Nancy Pelosi, Speaker Emerita, United States
The Power of Connection in Education: Highlights from the Attachment Innovation Challenge
Over the weekend, DEC hosted the “Attachment Innovation Challenge” in collaboration with our funded partners at WestEd. This event encouraged early educators to devise creative solutions to foster secure attachment