Early Connections, Early Learning for All, and Family Resource Centers - Approved
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Vision Every child in San Francisco has the best start in life and our City is a great place to raise a family. Mission To weave together family, community, and system supports so that all children who grow up in San Francisco have a strong foundation of nurturing, health, and learning. Our Guiding Values As the Department of Early Childhood, we are committed to: Racial Equity: We prioritize taking concrete action with Black, Latino, Indigenous, and Pacific Islander communities to address the disparities that persist across early childhood development outcomes for their families. We hold ourselves and one another accountable to measurable change and consider equity impacts in all our shared decision making. Universal Access: All families should have access to high-quality education and services to support healthy early childhood development. Collaboration with Community: When we engage parents, providers, and grantees as partners in decision-making, we expand the reach and impact of our work for countless children and families. Continuous Learning and Improvement: To have our desired impact, we must consistently and frequently engage parents, providers, and grantees in helping us understand what is working well and where improvements are needed—and use what we learn to shift and adapt our work. Transparency: To build and maintain trusting and productive relationships, we are open, authentic, and clear in our communication with parents, providers, grantees, and staff.
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Alexander Castro
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09-26-2025
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09-30-2025
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07-01-2026
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How To Contact
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General Inquries
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Early Connections Program
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1650 Mission St
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San Francisco
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CA
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More Information
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09-26-2025
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09-26-2026
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Based on Income and Need
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San Francisco Department of Early Childhood
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94103
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Helpful Links
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Detailed Information
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Resources for Families
Early Learning For All Eligibility Thresholds
The following are Fiscal Year 2025-2026 income thresholds by family size for the Early Learning For All initiative.
Families earning up to 110% of the Area Median Income (AMI) are eligible for fully-funded Tuition (FREE enrollment). Families earning between 111%-%150 of the Area Median Income (AMI) are eligible for a tuition credit for 50% off DEC’s published tuition rates. Families also must be residents of San Francisco in order to receive Early Learning For All financial aid.
There are over 500 programs in DEC’s Early Learning For All network. The network includes early care and education sites, from family childcare homes to childcare centers to SFUSD early education schools. Four-year-olds can also attend Transitional Kindergarten (TK) at no cost in SFUSD.
To join the Early Learning For All Network, these programs must meet and maintain high quality standards including:
- developmentally appropriate curriculum and instruction
- qualified and caring teachers
- health and safety requirements
- a focus on partnering with families to support their children.
Early Connections
All children deserve to reach their full potential. Early intervention makes that possible.
The Department of Early Childhood offers free developmental screenings, as well as connection to early intervention services for children who need them. This initiative is called Early Connections.
`1. Supporting children’s healthy development early is very important. Getting extra help as soon as possible can make a big difference for your child. From your baby’s first smile to their first steps, developmental milestones are exciting moments for families. Milestones can also tell you a lot about your child. Milestones help us understand how most children move, play, and talk at different ages. Milestones can help you know if your child is on track for his or her age.
Developmental screenings help show if a child is meeting developmental milestones for their age. Screenings are simple questionnaires that any adult who spends quality time with a child is able to complete.
Screenings are the first step in making sure your child is getting any support they need. There are lots of ways to get a free developmental screening and to support your child’s development. DEC even offers an app called Sparkler!
2. Early Connections recognizes that every child has a unique journey and develops at their own pace. We understand that families may have questions along the way. We are here to provide supportive and caring help that meets each child and family’s individual needs.
Early Connections is a free service for San Francisco residents. Let Early Connections be your partner in the remarkable journey of raising young children!
Get Started: Centralized Access Point
The Centralized Access Point (CAP) is the first step in getting help through Early Connections.
Our intake coordinators listen to your child’s needs and work with you to find the right services. Whether you are just starting or already know what help you need, our friendly CAP team is here to assist you.
Answer your questions about child development and available services,
Understand your family’s unique needs
Connect you with resources and services that fit your situation.
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Eligibility Information
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- CA
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- San Francisco County
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- San Francisco, CA
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- Infant
- Toddler
- Preschool
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- English
- Spanish
- Other
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Files
