Who qualifies for free child care in San Francisco?
Through the Early Learning For All (ELFA) program, San Francisco has dramatically expanded access to affordable child care. Eligibility is based on your household size and income.
| Income Tier | Family of 4 Income | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 110% AMI | Up to $171,450/yr | FREE Fully funded |
| 111%–150% AMI | Up to $233,800/yr | FREE 100% tuition credit |
| 151%–200% AMI | Up to $311,700/yr | TUITION CREDIT Starting July 2026 — ELFA contributes toward cost; families pay the balance |
Income thresholds vary by household size. A family of 2 qualifies for the tuition credit at up to $249,400/year; a family of 6 at up to $361,600/year.
What is ELFA?
Early Learning For All (ELFA) is San Francisco's universal child care program. Over 500 licensed providers across the city participate in the ELFA network, including family child care homes and centers. The program covers infant, toddler, preschool, and school-age care.
Key facts:
- Must be a San Francisco resident
- Must enroll at an approved ELFA network provider
- Providers cannot charge deposits to hold spots under ELFA
- Covers full-time and part-time care
How do I apply?
Contact one of San Francisco's Resource & Referral agencies to begin the application process:
Children's Council of San Francisco
Processes Fully-Funded ELFA applications (up to 110% AMI)
Wu Yee Children's Services
Processes all ELFA tiers — Fully-Funded and Tuition Credit
Compass Family Services
For families currently experiencing homelessness
Other programs beyond ELFA
California has many child care subsidy programs beyond ELFA, including Head Start, CSPP (State Preschool), CalWORKs, the Bridge Program for foster children, and more. Eligibility and benefits vary by program.
California Child Care Subsidy Programs
For a complete guide to all subsidized child care programs in California — including eligibility, how to apply, and what each program covers — see our comprehensive resource:
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for free child care in San Francisco?
San Francisco families earning up to 110% of Area Median Income qualify for free child care through the Early Learning For All (ELFA) program. For a family of four, that's approximately $171,450 per year. Families earning up to 150% AMI ($233,800/year for a family of four) receive a 100% tuition credit, making care effectively free. Starting July 2026, families earning up to 200% AMI ($311,700/year for a family of four) will receive a tuition credit that covers a significant portion of the cost, with families paying the remaining balance.
How do I apply for child care financial assistance in San Francisco?
Contact a Resource & Referral agency: Children's Council of San Francisco at (415) 343-3300, or Wu Yee Children's Services at (844) 644-4300. You can also start at sfdec.org. Wu Yee processes applications for all ELFA income tiers, while Children's Council handles Fully-Funded ELFA applications.
How much does child care cost in San Francisco?
Full-time family child care in San Francisco typically costs $2,000–$3,000+ per month. However, most San Francisco families now qualify for free or significantly reduced-cost care through the city's Early Learning For All (ELFA) program, which covers families earning up to 200% of Area Median Income.
What is the ELFA program in San Francisco?
Early Learning For All (ELFA) is San Francisco's universal child care program. It provides free or reduced-cost child care at over 500 approved programs citywide. Eligibility is based on household income and Area Median Income (AMI) thresholds. The program covers infant, toddler, preschool, and school-age care.
What other child care assistance programs are available in San Francisco?
In addition to ELFA, California has many child care subsidy programs including Head Start, California State Preschool Program (CSPP), CalWORKs, the Bridge Program for foster children, and more. For a complete guide to all programs, visit mychildcareplan.org.
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