DEC is opening the ELFA application from May to July.

Thank you for your interest in joining our quality network. Through our partnership, we are committed to providing a high-quality early learning experience for children in San Francisco, preparing them for success in school and beyond.

To submit the Early Learning For All (ELFA) application, your program is required to meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Meet the teaching qualifications
2. Have at least 2 children enrolled
3. Be in good standing with licensing
4. Meet our ratio and group size
5. Be a licensed Family Child Care home or Early Education Center located in San Francisco serving children ages birth to five

Please note that becoming an ELFA program is not a guarantee of DEC-funded enrollment. Primary responsibility for recruitment of ELFA-eligible children remains with the program itself, and the ultimate decision about whether a child enrolls in any ELFA program rests with the parents/caregivers of the child.

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