JOIN EARLY LEARNING FOR ALL
The open application period for 2025 will begin May 1st.
Thank you for your interest in joining the Early Learning For All network! DEC is committed to providing access to high-quality, affordable early learning experiences for all San Francisco children and their families. Our application and quality validation processes are designed to ensure that all programs in our network meet the needs of the communities we serve and set children up for success in kindergarten and beyond. Please read the information below carefully to learn more.
Starting in 2025, DEC has moved from a rolling application to an open application period every May-July. This annual cycle helps us ensure we are taking a data-informed and equity-centered approach to network expansion, while maintaining a transparent and efficient process for applicants.
Why Join Early Learning For All?
Programs that join our network:
- Can offer free and/or discounted enrollment to eligible families.
- Have access to a wide variety of exclusive professional development, training, coaching, and educational advancement opportunities for their educators.
- Benefit from DEC’s Workforce Compensation and Workforce Development programs.
- Have access to wrap-around supports for their students such as developmental screening, early intervention support, early childhood mental consultation, child health nurses and more.
Eligibility Requirements
Who is eligible to apply?
In order to apply for the Early Learning For All network 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
- Have at least two children enrolled
- Meet teaching qualifications as follows:
- FCC Owner: 12 ECE Units*, including nine units of core classes (Child Growth and Development, Intro to Early Childhood Curriculum, and Child, Family, and Community) and three ECE elective units for educator providing instruction and supervision to the children.
- Center Lead Teachers: 24 units of ECE/CD plus 16 units of General Education or CA CTC Teacher Permit
- Center Director: Associates degree with 24 units of ECE with 6 units management/administration and two units supervision or CA CTC Site Supervisor Permit
- Meet ratio and group size requirements as follows:
- FCCs (as per California Community Care Licensing Guidelines)
- Infant (0-18 months) 1:4
- Toddler (18-36 months) 1:6
- Preschool (3-5 years) 1:10
- Centers (as per California Department of Education Title V Guidelines):
- Infant (0-15 months) 1:4, class size 8, CCTR class size 9
- Toddler (12-36 months) 1:6, class size 12
- Preschool (30 months-5 years) 1:10, class size 20, CSPP class size 24
- FCCs (as per California Community Care Licensing Guidelines)
Please note: starting in FY2026-2027 all academic units must come from California Teacher Credentialing approved institution.
How to Apply
Step 1: Watch Our Pre-application Informational Video
The first step in becoming an Early Learning For All program is to view the pre-application informational video linked below. This video provides critical information about the Early Learning For All application requirements and process. Before beginning your application, please watch the entire video in the language of your preference using the links below.
Step 2: Collect Transcript(s) and/or Permit(s)
You will need to upload documentation verifying your program meets the minimum teacher qualifications to both the California ECE Workforce Registry and to your online application. Please collect all necessary transcripts and/or permits prior to moving on to steps 3-4 as you will need your documentation ready to complete these steps.
Step 3: Create a CA ECE Workforce Registry Account & Upload Documentation of Teacher Qualifications
The Early Learning For All application requires the CA ECE Workforce Registry ID Number of the program Director or Owner. If you do not already have a Registry account, please create one at https://www.caregistry.org/ before completing your Early Learning For All application.
After creating your account, upload all transcript(s) and/or permit(s) verifying your program meets the Early Learning For All minimum teacher qualifications.
For Centers, each Director and Lead Teacher will need their own CA ECE Workforce Registry account and will need to upload their own transcripts and/or permits. Center Directors will also need to request Administrative Access and verify each of their Lead Teacher’s employment.
For step-by-step guides to creating your Registry account, finding your Registry ID, requesting administrative access, and uploading transcripts and permits, please view the guides linked below:
Resources for Employers
For additional questions or support with creating a California ECE Workforce Registry Account please contact the Children’s Council Help Desk:
- support@childrenscouncil.org
- 415-343-4669
Step 4: Complete an Application
Links to the online application in English, Spanish, and Chinese will be available during our open application period from May 1 – July 31 each year.
Step 5: We Will Contact You
DEC will review your application and contact you regarding next steps. The flow chart linked below provides an overview of what you can expect after your application is submitted.
Flow Chart
Questions and Support
If you have reviewed all the information above and still have questions, don’t worry! Below are a collection of frequently asked questions and answers. If you still have questions, please contact the support teams as directed below.
Join ELFA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Contact Information
For questions about your eligibility or application support please contact:
If you are already a qualified ELFA program and are planning to expand your program or add another site, please contact us at:
Johanna.Martinez@sfgov.org (English/Spanish)
Susan.Lu@sfgov.org
(English/Chinese)
For questions or support with creating a California ECE Workforce Registry Account please contact the Help Desk at Children’s Council.
Help Desk Email: support@childrenscouncil.org
Help Desk Phone: 415-343-4669