What is ELFA?

Early Learning For All (ELFA) is a San Francisco initiative that provides free or reduced-cost early childhood education to families through a network of licensed child care providers, including family child care homes. The program is administered by the San Francisco Department of Early Childhood (SF DEC).

Through ELFA, families can access high-quality early learning without the full cost of tuition, while providers receive financial support and professional development to sustain their programs.

Benefits

For Providers

  • Per-child subsidies that support program sustainability
  • Free professional development and coaching
  • Connection to a network of peer providers
  • Administrative and compliance support
  • Increased enrollment through ELFA referrals

For Families

  • Free or reduced tuition for early learning
  • Access to licensed, quality child care homes
  • Small-group settings with personalized attention
  • Culturally and linguistically diverse providers
  • Convenient, neighborhood-based care

Am I Eligible? (Providers)

You may be eligible to join the ELFA network if you meet the following criteria:

You hold a current family child care license in San Francisco
Your home is located within the City and County of San Francisco
You are willing to participate in professional development activities
You are committed to providing quality early learning experiences

Not sure if you qualify? Fill out the interest form below and our team will follow up with you.

Express Your Interest

Interested in joining the ELFA network as a family child care provider? Fill out this form and the FCCASF team will follow up with next steps.

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ELFA Interest Form

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