2026 Provider Appreciation Day
In honor of Provider Appreciation Day on May 8, we asked Children’s Council of San Francisco Staff about a provider that had a profound impact on them or their child. […]
Our Blog
Our blog features information and advice on topics like child development, literacy and pediatric health, as well as feature stories about our staff, programs, and the families and educators whose lives have been impacted by our work.
Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month with Maria Luz Torre
In honor of AANHPI Heritage Month, we’re highlighting Maria Luz Torre, Children’s Council’s Parent Voices Organizer and her over 30 years of service. Maria has organized and fought relentlessly over the past three decades, helping to win billions of dollars in child […]
Week of the Young Child: Why First Five Matters
by Jessica Boehme-Flores, Senior Manager of Family & Caregiver Engagement and Saeda Fuller, Developmental Playgroup Coach When it comes to a child’s healthy development, the first five years of life […]
From Experience to Impact: How Women Shaped Child Care in San Francisco
At Children’s Council, our work has long been shaped by women leaders, advocates and visionaries who have helped move early care and education forward in San Francisco and beyond. This […]
Reimagining a World Where Black Children are Healthy and Celebrated for Their Strengths and Power
By Chanelle Brown, Senior Manager of Equity & Leadership BCDI San Francisco is a fiscally sponsored project of Children’s Council. This new organizing space for Black families, community members and […]
Celebrating Black History Month: Family Child Care Provider Champions
Black History Month is a time to honor legacy, leadership and the work shaping our communities today. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month’s national recognition, highlighting […]
Child Care Assistance for Families Impacted by the SFUSD Strike
If you have been affected by the SFUSD strike and are in need of temporary child care for families with children ages 0-5, Children’s Council of San Francisco is here […]
4th Annual San Francisco Early Care and Education Advocacy & Policy Retreat
By Alex Maykowski, Senior Manager for Public Policy & Organizing On January 24, 2026, Children’s Council of San Francisco, Parent Voices SF and the San Francisco Early Care and Education (ECE) Advocacy Coalition hosted […]
FFN Pathways: Celebrating Our First Graduating Cohort of Essential Caregivers
By Kelly Martinez, Associate Director of Child Care Quality and Business Supports Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers are indispensable to families and communities across San Francisco. They are the grandparents, aunts, cousins, trusted friends and […]
Building a Learning Culture Through Data and Evaluation
By Lucia Cazares, Evaluation Manager The Research, Data & Evaluation (RDE) team was established in 2021 to strengthen how Children’s Council of San Francisco understands and demonstrates its impact. Since then, our role has expanded from […]
This season, give the gift of quality, healthy meals in child care settings.
In child care centers and family child care homes across San Francisco, lifelong eating habits are taking root. A toddler is trying broccoli for the first time. A parent is learning a quick, healthy option for dinner. A classroom is turning […]
2025 Holiday Resources
Children’s Council has created a holiday resource guide to connect families to resources like food pantries, hot holiday meals, free clothing, toy drives and additional support services. Please check individual […]
Children’s Council Teams Share Expertise on Range of Topics at Annual Child Care Conference
Five teams from Children’s Council presented at the 2025 Joint Hybrid Annual Conference hosted by the Thriving Families California Foundation and the California Child Care Resource and Referral Network. This year’s conference was held October 15-17 in Sacramento, CA and focused on the theme, The Power of Partnerships: Uniting to Create Impact.
Halloween Activities around San Francisco
Fall is here and San Francisco is bursting with seasonal activities perfect for families. Whether you are searching for the perfect pumpkin or looking for free ways to enjoy the […]
Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month: The Impact of Child Care Business Coaches Irma Hernandez & Vanessa Tarantino
At Children’s Council of San Francisco, child care providers are the heart of San Francisco’s neighborhoods. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, also honored by many as Latino or Latinx […]
Claudia Quiñonez Appointed to New Chief of Staff Role
Children’s Council is pleased to announce that Claudia Quiñonez, a valued member of our Executive Leadership Team, has been appointed as our new Chief of Staff. In this expanded role, Claudia will continue to work closely with CEO Barbara (Barb) Coccodrilli Carlson to drive organizational effectiveness, lead strategic initiatives and ensure impactful outcomes that advance our mission.
Free, Kid-sized & Clean… Children’s Council Parents Share Their Favorite SF Hot Spots for Kids (and they don’t cost a dime)
Children’s Council staff members (and parents) share special places on their parenting journey in San Francisco.
Top 10 Fun Tips for Keeping Kids Healthy All Summer Long
Here, Children’s Council staff member Laura Urban and Michelle Wing of It’s Yoga Kids share their top 10 tips on keeping your kids mentally and physically healthy this summer!
Celebrating Black Excellence in Early Childhood Education: Graduation of Our Third & Fourth Cohorts
On Friday, June 6, 2025, Children’s Council proudly hosted a heartwarming and joyous graduation ceremony honoring the incredible accomplishments of our third and fourth cohorts of the Black Early Childhood Educator Career Development Pipeline program. The celebration took place at the beautiful Southeast Community Center and welcomed more than 200 guests including friends, family members, and community leaders who came together to uplift and honor the 30 extraordinary graduates.
Summer Launch of BCDI-San Francisco
This summer, Children’s Council of San Francisco has officially launched BCDI Children’s Council of San Francisco, a Village of the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI). With this new formal partnership with NBCDI, we are intentional about deepening our community engagement with Black children and families.
Program Spotlight: BIPOC Pre-Apprenticeship
Children’s Council launched a BIPOC ECE Pre-Apprenticeship program this year with an emphasis on addressing the need for Pacific Islander and Black early educators in San Francisco’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) field. Built with strong community input and sponsored by the Department of Early Childhood (DEC), this transformative workforce development program aims to support and improve the quality, care, and education for BIPOC children by recruiting, training and connecting BIPOC students for a career in the early childhood field.
Staff Spotlight: Iranique Anderson
Meet Children’s Council’s diverse team in our Staff Spotlight. Iranique Anderson is our Program Manager, Provider Supports.
Enjoy these family-friendly PRIDE events!
At Children’s Council, we believe in a San Francisco where every child is able to reach their full potential and thrive. And one of our Core Values is to support the growth and well-being of ALL San Francisco families.
Educators: We’re going paperless! Save time and get paid more efficiently by using CareConnect
No more paper attendance sheets, driving across the city to drop off documents, or waiting for postal service!
Children’s Council of San Francisco Takes Our Advocacy to Washington, D.C.
Last week, Children’s Council of San Francisco proudly joined early care and education advocates from across the country at the Child Care Aware of America Symposium in Washington, D.C. As part of a united California delegation, we partnered with the California Child Care Resource & Referral Network and Wu Yee Children’s Services to amplify the urgent need for federal investments in child care.
Honoring our Early Educators on National Provider Appreciation Day!
On National Provider Appreciation Day — today, May 9, 2025 — Children’s Council of San Francisco joins our colleagues from across the United States in celebrating the vital contributions of child care providers and early childhood educators.
Staff Spotlight: Nikki Smith
Meet Children’s Council’s diverse team in our Staff Spotlight. Nikki Smith is our Director of Facilities and Operations.
Celebrating the 2024 Healthy Apple Award Winners
Children’s Council of San Francisco’s Healthy Apple Program is excited to announce the 2024 Healthy Apple Award recipients.
Healthy Apple recognized 45 child care sites with 69 awards for excellence in child care nutrition and physical activity practices! Even more impactful, these awards reflect healthy practices in place at early education sites serving 625 children.
Associate Board In Focus: May Huang
The Associate Board In Focus series is centered on hearing from and learning more about members of our Associate Board – a group of emerging leaders who dedicate their time, talents, networks and resources to raise awareness of and advance the mission of Children’s Council of San Francisco. In this video, we hear from May Huang who has served on the Associate Board for five years.
ECE Equity Leadership Academy
Are you a supervisor or administrator working in early childhood education (ECE)? Apply today to join the ECE Equity Leadership Academy.
Through this new, innovative program, we aim to build upon the leadership in our community and amplify the voices of diverse ECE leaders.
Supporting Healthy Meals in San Francisco’s Child Care Community
National Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Week is March 16-22, 2025! By partnering with dedicated child care providers, we help ensure that San Francisco’s youngest residents have access to the nourishment they need to grow, thrive, and learn.
Built by Women, Moving Forward with Women at the Helm: Honoring Women’s History Month at Children’s Council
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor the women leaders who founded our organization, and we look to the women of today to take us forward.
Supporting Growth and Development: Inclusive Playgroups for Children with Special Needs at Children’s Council of San Francisco
Children’s Council of San Francisco’s Caregiver and Child Developmental Playgroups provide accessibility for children aged birth to three years who have mild to moderate disabilities, learning differences and/or complex medical needs to engage in inclusive, sensory-based, and hands-on learning activities. We actively partner with their caregivers to participate in supporting their children’s growth and development during the playgroups and at home.
Black History Month: Recognizing the Contributions of Black Early Educators in San Francisco
As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s critical to recognize the contributions that countless Black women have made in Early Childhood Education (ECE).
Are You Caring for a Child in Your Family or Community? Join Our Free FFN Pathway Program!
Caring for a child—whether it’s your grandchild, niece, nephew, a friend’s child, or a neighbor’s little one—is an incredible gift to both the child and the family. Yet, we know it can sometimes feel like a journey you’re navigating alone. You are not alone.
At Children’s Council of San Francisco, we recognize the vital role that Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers play in shaping young lives.
San Francisco Early Care and Education Community Convenes Policy and Advocacy Retreat
By Alan Wong, Senior Director of Public Policy Communication This month, Children’s Council of San Francisco, Parent Voices SF and the San Francisco Early Care and Education (ECE) Advocacy Coalition hosted our […]
Associate Board In Focus: Kayley Miller
Children’s Council of San Francisco is excited to introduce a new series focused on members of our Associate Board – a group of emerging leaders who dedicate their time, talents, […]
Let’s Commit Ourselves to the Noble Struggle for Equal Rights
By Maiysha Dickerson, Director of Black & BIPOC Early Childhood Education Achievement “Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a […]
Forward at 50: Building upon 50 years of service to families in San Francisco
As 2024 brought the celebration of 5 decades of empowering families and nurturing early childhood education in San Francisco, we’ve gathered valuable insights that have shaped our journey. Here are ten points we’ve learned over the past 50 years and will continue to build upon in the next 50:
Staff Spotlight: Laura Urban
Meet Children’s Council’s diverse team in our Staff Spotlight. Laura Urban, Associate Director of Health & Nutrition, brings over 10 years of experience strategizing and implementing nutrition security and chronic disease prevention programs at the state and local level to Children’s Council of San Francisco.
Empowering Educators, Transforming Communities
Our Child Care Business Incubator is making a profound impact on the Black community in San Francisco, and the results speak volumes. Through our unwavering commitment to supporting Black and African-American family child care providers, we have fostered a vibrant community of educators dedicated to nurturing the next generation. Our initiatives have led to the establishment of 20 new businesses, empowering 100+ existing micro-entrepreneurs to thrive in their journeys.
This season, give the gift of quality child care.
For parents with young children, the holiday season can be a time of magic and joy, but also a whole lot of stress! During the holidays, many parents find expenses […]
2024 Holiday Resources
Children’s Council has compiled a holiday resource list to connect families to resources like food pantries, hot holiday meals, free clothing, toy drives, and more. Please check all program websites […]
Staff Spotlight: Elaine Lai
Years at Children’s Council: 4 years How I contribute to the success of Children’s Council: I bring over 30 years of experience in working with both the for-profit and not-for-profit […]
Barbara Coccodrilli Carlson Appointed as CEO and President of Children’s Council of San Francisco
Trusted early education leader with deep San Francisco roots to run important SF nonprofit organization SAN FRANCISCO, CA (October 1, 2024) – The Board of Directors of Children’s Council of […]
City of San Francisco Early Learning For All System
Here’s everything you need to know.
Navigating the Back-to-School Hustle: The Parenting Juggle in September
By Amie Latterman, Chief Advancement Officer As the calendar flips to September, families across the globe find themselves grappling with the whirlwind that is back-to-school month. It’s a time of […]
Upcoming: How will our local election affect child care in San Francisco?
Come learn more at our child care Mayoral and Supervisor Forums! By Alan Wong, Director of Public Policy Communication As we move past the budget “season” in San Francisco, it’s […]
Staff Spotlight: Maritza Salinas
Years at Children’s Council: 3 years How I contribute to the success of Children’s Council: I provide support, guidance and coaching to three teams at Children’s Council: Community Outreach and Education, […]
Associate Board In Focus: Corina Dumitrescu
Corina Dumitrescu (she/her) is an architect, wife and mother of two. Since 2011 she has dedicated herself to multi-family housing design, construction, and owner representation. Corina believes in whole communities […]
José A. Rodríguez named Chief Human Resources Officer at Children’s Council
Children’s Council is pleased to announce that José A. Rodríguez will serve as Chief Human Resources Officer for the 50-year-old organization. “We are pleased to welcome José to the leadership […]
Spotlighting Childrens’ Council’s New Electric Vehicle
By Laura Urban, Associate Director of Health & Nutrition Children spend upwards of 40 hours per week in childcare, giving child care educators a unique opportunity to shape healthy behaviors […]
Success Story: Protecting Baby Proposition C Funding
About a month ago, Children’s Council of San Francisco, along with the SF ECE Advocacy Coalition and our Early Childhood Education (ECE) community, faced a significant challenge. We learned that City Hall was considering cuts to Baby Proposition C funding, putting about $65 million at risk over the next four years due to the city’s budget crisis. In response, the SF ECE Advocacy Coalition quickly convened to strategize on how to engage the Mayor’s Office and the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
Honoring Legacy Providers of San Francisco
Juneteenth is not only a time of celebration but also a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. The commitment of our child care providers embodies the spirit of Juneteenth, as they work tirelessly to uplift and empower the next generation.
On June 6, we gathered to honor 21 incredible Black and African American child care educators, our Legacy Providers who have dedicated their lives to nurturing and educating the children of San Francisco.
Staff Spotlight: Ben Doyle
Years at Children’s Council: 2 years How I contribute to the success of Children’s Council: In my role as Chief Programs Officer and member of the executive leadership team, I […]
Staff Spotlight: Maria Matus
Years at Children’s Council: 16 years How I contribute to the success of Children’s Council: I oversee and assist our Family Services Specialists who provide support to families with their […]
Welcoming the Year of the Dragon
Lunar New Year is a special holiday to me. Growing up, my core memories of this holiday consist of large family gatherings, preparation leading up to the holiday and going to the temple.
Elevating Generations of Black Women in Child Care
This Black History Month, we would like to pay homage to Black women in the child care field. Black women in the United States have been the pioneers, trailblazers and sheroes of the child care workforce for centuries.
Staff Spotlight: Claudia Quinonez
Years at Children’s Council: 15 years How I contribute to the success of Children’s Council: I activate the organization’s strategic plan by bringing leadership together to align, strategize, and maintain […]
Announcing The 2023 Healthy Apple Award Winners
by Raegan Sales, Healthy Apple Program Coordinator Children’s Council of San Francisco’s Healthy Apple Program is excited to announce the 2023 Healthy Apple Award recipients. We took advantage of a […]
A Dynamic Duo Builds A Village
Joelle and her mother De’Orsie just love babies. “I was ten when I realized I wanted to be a teacher,” says Joelle, director of JoJo’s Playhouse, a home-based child care program in the SOMA district. “I love babies so much I wanted to volunteer at the hospital just to hold them,” she says. Since 90% of all brain development occurs before the age of five, the years we spend with nurturing caregivers are critical ones.
The mother-daughter duo opened up their program about five years ago and recently completed the Pipeline for Black Early Childhood Educator Career Development program at Children’s Council — graduating with straight As.
Reflecting on the November 2023 Early Care & Education Public Policy Retreat
In a unified effort to drive change and advocate for the future of early care and education (ECE), the San Francisco Child Care Planning and Advisory Council (CPAC) and the […]
Support Child Care: Today. Tomorrow.
Join our year end campaign to help solve the child care crisis.
Staff Spotlight: Margarita Spataro
Years at Children’s Council: 3 years How I contribute to the success of Children’s Council: I work with individuals who are launching their child care business and help make the process […]
The Child Care Funding Cliff
On September 30, 2023, $37 billion in federal pandemic-era child care support expired. The child care system was already in a precarious position before the pandemic, with a large percentage of parents unable to find or pay for child care. This loss of federal funding will deepen the problem.
Children’s Council’s Je Ton Carey on ABC7
Je Ton Carey, Director of Black Early Care & Education at Children’s Council of SF, spoke last night on ABC 7 News about the California Attorney General’s investigation into implicit […]
An Important Message from Children’s Council Board Chair Rehana Abbas
After nearly five years as President & CEO of Children’s Council, Dr. Gina Fromer recently informed the Children’s Council Board of Directors that she will be pursuing a new challenge.
How SF Is Graduating More Black Early Educators — and Why It Matters
KQED Radio / Online feature story about our remarkable 2023 Black ECE Pipeline graduates.
Celebrating our Second Black Early Childhood Educator Career Pipeline Graduates
Celebrating the accomplishments of our remarkable 39 graduates with an inspiring day of community and celebration.
Children’s Council Celebrates Big Budget Wins for ECE
During the month of June, 700+ child care champions turned out to urge city officials to keep Baby Prop C funding intact during a difficult budget year.
Children’s Council Fights Food Insecurity Through Innovative “Farm to ECE” Program
Children’s Council has teamed up with No Kid Hungry to provide local child care programs with weekly organic produce boxes.
Empowering Black Family Child Care Businesses: A Celebration of Dreams and Success
Children’s Council recently celebrated the remarkable achievements of ten new Black family child care business owners.
Children’s Council Hosts International Group of Child Care Champions
Recently, Children’s Council hosted a site tour and information session with a group of early education colleagues from American Samoa, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Hawaii.
Providers: Help Inform the R&R Network’s Strategic Plan
The California Child Care Resource and Referral Network (The Network) and Social Policy Research Associates (SPR) are conducting an important survey.
Join in the Fight to Protect Baby Prop C!
We estimate these proposals will result in a loss of $150 – $180 million for child care in SF. Join us in taking action now!
Workforce Compensation Initiative Provides Critical Financial Support for SF Early Educators
Throughout the “Week of the Young Child” (April 2-8), the San Francisco Board of Supervisors visited child care sites across the 11 districts of the city to showcase the benefits of the WCI and Baby Prop C funding.
Children’s Council President/CEO Reacts to Governor Newsom’s May 2023 Budget Revision
It’s imperative that we remind the Governor and our State Representatives that they cannot balance the state budget on the backs of our state’s little ones!
Ben Doyle & Phillip Warner Appointed to Children’s Council Executive Leadership Team
Ben has been appointed Chief Programs Officer, while Phillip has been named Chief Compliance Officer.
Children’s Council Celebrates 50th Anniversary in 2024
We’ll also be sharing the transformative work Children’s Council is doing right now, as well as our bold vision for a brighter, more inclusive future for our community.
Healthy Apple Program Receives National Attention Through Local FCC Site Visit
USDA’s Dr. Sara Bleich and others see firsthand how Healthy Apple impacts nutrition and physical activity habits of children.
Black Early Educator Policy Council Publishes Historic Recommendations
The publication gives a voice to our community of Black child care educators, many of whom have worked tirelessly for decades to support generations of families in SF.
Social Safety Net Programs Play a Critical Role in Keeping Children and Families Out of Poverty
Programs like CalWORKS, MediCal, CalFresh and Child Tax Credits are essential for lifting families and children out of poverty and improving their health and educational outcomes.
2022 City Kids Family Fair Wrap-Up
What a beautiful and FUN day it was for our annual event!
New COVID vaccine and booster updates for children
Everyone 5 years and older should get a COVID-19 booster, if eligible. Most people are now eligible for the new bivalent booster.
24 New Black Early Educators Graduate and Secure Jobs
On Friday, August 5, 2022, we celebrated the graduation of our first-ever Pipeline for Black Early Childhood Educators. Learn more about the program and why it’s so important to our community.
Big wins for SF families struggling with food insecurity
Children’s Council has been hard to ensure our child care educators have affordable access to healthy meals for the kids in their care.
Early Educators: Deadline for CPR Reimbursement is June 22
CPR Reimbursement Deadline If you are a licensed child care provider in San Francisco, the deadline to apply for CPR reimbursement classes is Wednesday, June 22 at midnight. You must […]
Advocacy Team Attends Inspiring National Child Care Conference
Child Care Aware Symposium draws hundreds of child care champions from across the US.
2022 Child Care Champions Showcase + Auction: A Rousing Success!
Over 225 attendees helped us surpass our fundraising goal to bring in over $220K!
Autism Awareness Month
Being the parent of a child with special needs comes with many challenges, but there are resources for families.
Announcing our 2022 Child Care Champion Honorees
Lisa Lee has been named our 2022 Patty Siegel Child Care Champion. Leticia Ornelas is our Family Child Care Provider Champion.
Children’s Council Appoints Claudia Quiñonez Chief Strategy & Impact Officer
Claudia brings over 15 years of experience in nonprofit management to our Executive Leadership team.
Black/African American Family Friend & Neighbor Care Institute
Be part of the movement to increase accessible, quality child care to Black children in San Francisco. Join our Family Friend & Neighbor Care Institute.
Children’s Council staff member brings life experience to her work with SF Black educators
Our Child Care Business Coach pulls from personal journey finding diverse child care to uplift new programs and educators.
An Urgent Message for Child Care Programs
As we have been from the beginning of the pandemic, Children’s Council is here to support you.
Children’s Council 2021: A Year of Possibilities
In 2021 we kept moving towards our vision: an SF where every child is able to reach their full potential and thrive.
Child care makes our lives possible
Throughout the pandemic, we’ve been here for early educators like Margie Stokes. But we need your help!
Announcing BizNest!
Children’s Council is excited to launch BizNest!
SF Dept of Public Health Begins COVID Vaccinations for Ages 5-11
Make your appointment today!
City Kids Family Fair: Live & In-person
From CEO Gina M. Fromer on City Kids: “City Kids is a wonderful celebration of families and children”.
