Early Learning San Francisco Program Application

We are excited to be expanding the number of San Francisco early care and education programs eligible to receive City-funding! At DEC we strive to fulfill our promise to San Francisco’s youngest residents: to provide a high-quality early learning experience. We are committed to creating an early learning system that will ensure every child thrives and learns while providing resources to those who care for our city’s children.

In order to apply for the Early Learning San Francisco Program you must:

Be a licensed Family Child Care home or Early Education Center located in San Francisco serving children ages birth to five.
Be in good standing with California Community Care Licensing Division
Be willing to serve low- and moderate-income populations who receive city funding from DEC and SF Priority Populations
Meet Director / Owner Qualifications per the quality standards - https://provider.sfdec.org/funding-requirements/quality-standards/

For questions about your eligibility or application support please contact JoinELS@sfgov.org .

Question Title

* 1. In order to be eligible for ELS, you must meet the minimum qualifications for Center Director or Family Child Care Owner as per the ELS Quality Standards and Child Development Permit Matrix.

For Family Child Care

Required: 12 ECE units, including nine units of core classes (CDEV 53; CDEV 66; CDEV 67) & three ECE elective units for educator providing instruction and supervision to the children. This applies to the owner or lead teacher.

Have you (or the lead teacher) completed the required 12 ECE Units?

Yes

Not Applicable - I am part of a Center-Based Program