Shara Chang, Champions Luncheon Co-Chair
Shara understands firsthand that child care is the lynchpin that keeps mothers in the workplace.
Our Blog
Our blog features information and advice on topics like nutrition, physical activity, social-emotional development and early literacy, as well as feature stories about the families and child care providers whose lives have been impacted by Children’s Council of San Francisco.
Elisabeth Diana, Champions Luncheon Co-Chair
Elisabeth fully committed herself to the work of Children’s Council after attending one of our popular family workshops.
A Special Message from our Executive Director
Sandee Blechman reflects on eight years at Children’s Council.
Blue Ribbon Commission Releases Ambitious Statewide Plan for ECE in CA
We encourage everyone in the ECE community to provide feedback.
Children’s Council in the News: The Trauma of Parental Separation
“Every minute that they’re exposed to this kind of serious trauma, their brain functionality and development is being affected.”
Children’s Council’s Raegan Sales Appointed to SF Food Security Task Force
“I look forward to being a voice on behalf of San Francisco’s youngest residents.”
BREAKING NEWS: CalFresh benefits during government shutdown
Most current recipients and eligible applicants will receive monthly nutrition benefits for February earlier than usual.
Start with child care and see communities flourish
Quality child care builds a strong foundation for lifelong learning, physical health and economic success.
Start with quality child care and watch brains blossom
By age five, 90% of a child’s brain is fully developed!
Start with quality child care and parents make it work
During this season of giving, families in SF need your help.
Double the impact of your gift on Giving Tuesday
Invest in child care and we all win! Board Vice Chair Anna Nordberg will match all #GivingTuesday gifts.*
Children’s Council’s Healthy Apple Program Makes National News
USA Today article features SF early educator Zonia Torres.
Early Learning SF Launches
New platform connects families to child care and preschool financial aid through a single application.
Don’t Let Halloween Treats Trick Your Child’s Teeth!
Learn how to keep “Acid Ghosts” away!
City of SF Preschool Fair
Wednesday, Nov 7 at City Hall. RSVP now!
A Message from Gale Mondry, Board Chair
Executive Director Sandee Blechman to retire by June 2019.
CA Passes Landmark Healthy Beverage Legislation for Restaurants
Water or milk are now the default beverage for kids’ meals at all restaurants in CA.
Children’s Council Selected for Erikson Institute Program
We are one of only nine family child care networks named to nationwide program.
Parent Voices Press Conference
Child care advocates call “Foul” on corporate landlord lawsuit against voter approved Prop C.
Prop C in Jeopardy
Lawsuit threatens to take away historic win for families in SF.
Join the TIPS by TEXT Revolution!
An innovative Children’s Council partnership with Stanford University.
Fall Workshops Now in Session
Most workshops are FREE, but space is limited, so register now!
Be a City Kids Hero
Looking for group or corporate volunteer opportunities?
Prop C FAQ
The latest info on additional subsidized child care spaces, income requirements, and how to apply.
Join Our Team! Make Child Care a Reality for All SF Families
There may be a future for you on our team.
Prop C: A Victory for Our City
The passage of Prop C seems assured. What’s next?
Early Educators: Looking for High-Quality Resources?
ECE Shared Resources CA will save you time and money!
Share your passion for technology with early educators
Children’s Council is seeking volunteers to assist with basic technology workshops for family child care educators.
Champions Luncheon a Smashing Success
Get all the highlights and check out our new videos.
2018 Healthy Apple Award Winners
These early educators have demonstrated commitment to nutrition and physical activity.
Children’s Council Urges You to Support Prop C
Learn more and get involved in this critical ballot measure.
Family Child Care Providers: Know Your Rights as a Renter
Child Care Law Center releases videos in multiple languages.
Helping Children Cope with Stressful News Coverage
Tips on helping little ones deal with emotions they may not be equipped to handle on their own.
Children’s Council Launches Build Your Business: Family Child Care Series
Join us for an information session on March 1.
Now is the time to start planning for summer!
Here are a few resources to help you get started.
“NY Times: Why Are Our Most Important Teachers Paid the Least?”
With low salaries and high turnover, finding qualified early educators is more difficult than ever.
Family and Provider Workshops Now in Session
At Children’s Council we believe that education is empowerment.
The challenges of waiting for child care
“I wanted to pull myself out of this situation, but I was really struggling. I needed time to work and study, and I was always worried about child care.”
Children’s Council Remembers Mayor Ed Lee
A letter from our Executive Director.
“Children’s Council has been our lifeline”
Learn how Children’s Council has played a critical role in helping them achieve their dreams.
#GivingTuesday: Meet Alejandra and Aaliyah
“If I had not come to Children’s Council, I would not have been able to afford child care or reached my education and career goals,”
5 Ways to Keep Your SF Kid Busy During the Holidays
The holiday season will soon be here, how are you going to keep your little ones busy?
Children’s Council Food Program Facilitates New USDA Nutrition Guidelines
These new regulations are a great step forward.
Child Care for Working Families Act in Congress Introduced
Several Bay Area congressional leaders have joined as co-sponsors.
Handling the First Day of School
How to understand and navigate this unique rite of passage.
Top 10 Camping Tips for New Moms
Have a stress-free camping experience with your little one.
City Kids Family Fair Saturday September 23
Music, performances, and fun educational activities for the whole family!
California Budget Adds $271 Million to Support Child Care
Learn why these changes matter to families and child care providers.
Front Page News: Changes to Child Care in SF
San Francisco Chronicle highlights new Early Learning Scholarship system.
Three is the Magic Number for Child Care
Availability, quality and affordability are the key to early education.
City of San Francisco Launches Early Learning Scholarship System
Here’s everything you need to know.
FCC Quality Network Conference: Heroes in Early Education
Child Care Quality Network Conference welcomed over 130 family child care educators.
Early Education is No Place to Pinch Pennies
We urge legislators to invest in our future and vote for a budget bill that restores child care funding and updates income guidelines.
Healthy Apple Awards Recognize Outstanding Providers
These providers are committed to increasing healthy eating and promoting active living in their child care environments.
Get Ready to Fight for Early Care and Education!
State budget season is nearly here. We know the power of quality early care and education, now get ready to fight for it!
Details and Directions for Child Care Champions Luncheon
Everything you need to know about our luncheon this Thursday!
Something to Emulate in Washington, D.C.!
Learn about the new D.C. licensing requirement that all child care teachers earn an Associate’s degree.
Anna Nordberg, Champions Luncheon Co-Chair
“The event honors heroes in early care and education, but in my mind, anyone who walks into the room is a child care champion.”
Barbara Shragge, Champions Luncheon Co-Chair
Barbara Shragge passionately believes that quality child care not only allows children to thrive, but it empowers women to succeed in our city’s competitive workforce.
Immigrants Make Our Community Stronger through Family Child Care
Helping family child care business owners run high-quality businesses lifts immigrant families out of poverty.
2017 Summer Guide is Here!
Your go-to resource in choosing the best summer program for you and your family!
Providing a Pathway to Success for All Children
“The greatest reward was watching Paxton form bonds with other kids and seeing that he was accepted.”
Cuisinart Recalls 8 Million Food Processors
Pieces of the blade can break off into food and cut your mouth.
Children’s Council Holiday Schedule
Click here to see our holiday office schedule.
“I didn’t have any family to help… I had to have child care”
Without Children’s Council, this mom wouldn’t have been able to support her family.
A Child Care Dream Come True
Learn how Children’s Council helped one mom’s dreams for quality, affordable child care come true!
Meet Myisha and her two sons
Quality child care was the key to their success.
It’s time to get our children Ready for School, and Ready for Life!
Our city’s children are counting on us – donate today!
Provider Honoree Applications Due Soon!
Deadline extended to Mon, Dec 5!
2016 Annual Report
Meet some of our city’s child care champions!
Children’s Council Launches Newly Redesigned Online Child Care Finder
The most comprehensive online database of San Francisco providers licensed by the state of California.
Onsite Child Care is Good for Business
Children’s Council’s Anne Morrison discusses an article about employers providing onsite child care.
Free Diapers for All CalWORKs Families
Drop by 445 Church Street any Friday between 9am and noon
2016 After School Guide
Your most comprehensive guide to San Francisco’s after school programs
Champions Luncheon Recap
Child Care Champions Luncheon a huge success.
Tell Governor to Support Child Care Funding
Calling is the fastest way to make your voice heard!
Providers: Important Food Recall Announcement
Details about food recalls due to possible contamination.
Tell CA Legislature to spend budget surplus on child care
A new proposal would add $800 million to the child care system.
Summer Fun Guide 2016
Our handy list of summer activities the whole family will enjoy.
Head Start Application Fair
Families can apply for fall enrollment at any Head Start program in San Francisco.
6th Annual City Hall Walk Around the Block
Now is the time to make your voice heard!
Week of the Young Child 2016
Celebrate the Week of the Young Child with community events through April!
Meet-up Group for New and Expecting Moms
Are you a new mom? Join us for our new weekly meet-up!
Board Spotlight: Anna Nordberg
While planning Children’s Council’s inaugural luncheon, Anna finds inspiration from everyday and celebrity mothers and heroes from early in her journalism career
2016 Summer Guide is Here!
The Summer Guide is your go-to resource in choosing the best summer program for you and your family!
Tuesday Playgroups
Connect with other parents and caregivers, and encourage your child to develop social skills.
Providers: Regional Market Rate Survey Coming Soon
We urge all child care providers who are contacted to participate in the survey to respond.
Science Proves Reading With Kids Affects Brain Development
Children’s Council’s Dawn Perry explains how reading with children impacts language and literacy development.
Rainy Day Activities
Here are some fun activities to get children moving indoors!
A tribute to our founder Patty Siegel
Patty was a passionate advocate for all children and families.
Children’s Council on CBS-KPIX
Learn how we’re working with Full Circle Fund to improve our website.
SF Chronicle: Housing Crisis Affects Child Care Providers and Parents
A must-read for all San Franciscans!
Quality child care = success down the road!
We need your help to make quality child care a reality for all San Francisco families.
Rebecca Cressey and her son Paxton
Rebecca Cressey was taking care of her son Paxton on her own, but she recognized that he was not experiencing enough social interaction with other kids.
It Takes a Village: Myisha Smith-Whitaker
Parent Myisha Smith-Whitaker says, “I don’t know what would have happened if I hadn’t found Children’s Council. I think those boys would have been in and out of jail.”
Susan Larara and her son John
Learn how we helped Susan find evening and weekend care for her four-year-old son John. And find out how John is doing today!
Starr Gul and her daughter Melina
Starr says, “Without Children’s Council, I wouldn’t have received child care subsidies. Children’s Council saved my life, it was a dream come true.”
READY FOR SCHOOL, READY FOR LIFE!
Join us, and learn how you can help prepare our community’s children to be Ready for School, Ready for Life.
SHARE YOUR VOICE! Urgent Community Events
NOW is your chance to share your thoughts and ideas with supervisors and leaders from the City of San Francisco.
Staff Spotlight: Maria Luz Torre
Community organizing, activism and advocacy is not just a job for Maria, it’s a lifelong commitment.