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
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