Resource & Referral (R&R) Team:

The R&R team supports San Francisco families with applying for Early Learning For All (ELFA) and exploring other available child care programs. The team is often a family’s first stop in their child care journey, helping them understand their child care options and search for providers.

Common Topics We Help Families with:

• Application support for new or returning families – including support with the Early Learning for All (ELFA) Parent Portal
• Understanding eligibility for ELFA and other child care financial assistance programs
• Personalized child care provider options based on your family and child’s needs
• Guidance on next steps after finding a child care provider

Family Specialist Team:
The family specialists support families after they have found a child care provider through a warm handoff from the Resource & Referral team. They schedule an appointment to review eligibility for the subsidy and become the main point of contact moving forward.

Common Topics We Help Families with:

• Changing child care providers or adding a child to services
• Updating child care schedules, hours, address, phone number, email or other family information
• Questions about ELFA or other child care assistance
• CareConnect login support for parents

Parent Voices

As a parent, you have the power to make a difference. Get involved with Parent Voices, a parent-led grassroots organization working to make quality child care affordable and accessible to all families.

Common Topics We Help Families with:

• Learning more about Parent Voices
• Parent leadership, advocacy and community engagement
• Meetings, events and volunteer opportunities
• Participation opportunities for all parents

Provider Support Teams 

Children’s Council has multiple teams that support child care providers at different stages of their work with our programs. Depending on your needs, our Provider Support Teams can assist with onboarding, enrollment, attendance reporting, payments and technical support.

Common Topics We Help Providers and Educators with:

• Provider enrollment, onboarding and eligibility requirements
• Updating contact information, payment information, direct deposit and requesting tax forms
• EarlyLearningSF.org and CareConnect support for providers
• Child enrollment changes and program transitions

Business Incubator Program (BizNest)

The BizNest Program offers guidance on business development, marketing, health & wellness, technology tools and long-term planning to help new and existing home-based child care providers serve their communities.

Common Topics We Help Providers and Educators with:

• Starting or growing a child care business
• Business planning, marketing and sustainability
• Strengthening family relationships and communication
• Coaching, training and professional development

Black & BIPOC ECE Program

The Black & BIPOC ECE teams aim to support and improve quality care and education by increasing the numbers of Black and Pacific Islander early educators in San Francisco. They provide trainings and career development opportunities.

Common Topics We Help Providers and Educators with:

• Connecting with Black and BIPOC early educator networks
• Early Education Pre-Apprenticeship Program (EEPAP)
• Career pathways, credentials and professional growth
• Fellowship, leadership and educational opportunities

Health & Nutrition Program

The Health and Nutrition team coaches child care educators on physical activity and nutrition through free programs like Healthy Apple and USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program.

Common Topics We Help Providers and Educators with:

• Nutrition and wellness programs for child care settings
• Meal planning, budgeting and program management
• Healthy routines and physical activity for children
• Health, nutrition and professional development resources

CBO Family Referrals & Education 

The Resource & Referral (R&R) Family Education Team partners with community-based organizations (CBOs) to connect San Francisco families with child care information, resources and support. Our team also provides educational presentations and participates in community outreach events.

Common Topics We Help Community Partners with:

• Referring families to Children’s Council for child care services
• Requesting child care workshops or presentations
• Inviting Children’s Council to participate in community events
• Accessing information and resources about ELFA and other child care financial assistance programs

Outreach & Communications Team

Outreach & Communications manages media requests, public relations and external communications, helping share Children’s Council’s work and impact through print, digital and broadcast outlets.

Common Media and Press inquiries:

• Media interview requests with Children’s Council representatives
• Questions about Children’s Council programs, initiatives or policy work
• Requests for child care data, reports, research or statistics
• Inquiries from journalists, researchers or students about child care and early education topics