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 […]
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.
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 […]
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 Spotlight: 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.
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!
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”.
Apprenticeship Program: Pipeline for Black Early Childhood Educator Career Development
Interested in a career in Early Childhood Education?
Historic funding for ECE in CA, but we still have work to do!
Investments will be huge for CA families, but questions remain.
Join our team at Children’s Council!
We’re looking for innovative change-makers to step into impactful roles here at Children’s Council.
CEO Gina Fromer Named CAPPA Board President
CAPPA is the State’s leading voice for agencies who provide child care subsidies to families.
Children’s Council Celebrates the Passage of Prop C by CA Supreme Court
Nearly three years after SF voters passed the landmark proposition, “Baby Prop C” will direct $146 million to the SF child care community annually.
African American Early Educators: Your Community Needs You!
Children’s Council recruiting for African American Early Educator Policy Council.
SF Orange Tier: Latest Guidelines for Child Care
Important information for child care providers and families.
A Message from our CEO
In solidarity with our Asian American community.
Happy Lunar New Year!
Join us in celebrating our vibrant Asian community.
Black History Month – A Message from our CEO
Gina shares her family’s story and the significance of Black History month in 2021.
Mayor Breed Announces $25 Million ECE Recovery Fund
Child care programs may be eligible for grants of up to $15K and interest-free loans up to $50K.
Our CEO Reflects on the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Lifting up his message of peace and action.
Women make up an astonishing 100% of US job losses in December
The pandemic has amplified gender inequality for women in the U.S. workforce.
Children’s Council Launches Child Care Financial Assistance Eligibility Calculator
Get customized information on your child care financial assistance options.
Upholding The Cornerstone That Is Child Care
As 2020 comes to a close, we hope you’ll consider supporting us.
“Children’s Council has given me a voice”
“Children’s Council has given me a voice, the opportunity to work, provide for my family, and to be self-sufficient.”
Two Generations of Moms Turn to Children’s Council for Support
PLUS: Donate before Dec 18 and double the impact of your gift to Children’s Council!
Important Information Regarding Stay-at-Home Order
UPDATE: As of Dec 9, playgrounds may remain open.
Providing a Lifeline to Families in Crisis
“All of your services are so important… now more than ever, families need Children’s Council.”
City of SF Uplifts the Importance of Early Care & Education
Directive highlights the essential nature of Early Care & Education in our city.
Without child care, San Francisco doesn’t work
A message from our CEO Gina Fromer.
City Kids Family Fair: Now Available on Demand!
Enjoy City Kids whenever it’s convenient for you and your family.
Shoring up child care through Prop F will unlock SF’s post-COVID economy
Child care is the bridge to re-opening our economy.
Children’s Council Welcomes Yvette Renteria as Chief Strategy & Impact Officer
Yvette has dedicated nearly two decades to working with underserved communities.
Top Five Best Practices for Distance Learning
Let us help you as the new school semester begins.
Combating Hunger During a Pandemic
Children’s Council is piloting new projects to address food insecurity.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi Recalls Children’s Council Founder Patty Siegel
“As Patty Siegel, the godmother of child care in California, said, “You can’t expect a family with young children to get on their feet and get jobs without child care.”
Without child care, San Francisco doesn’t work
Child care providers are essential to helping our city recover from COVID. Join our Economic Recovery campaign today.
Activity Kits & Cleaning Supplies for Our Community
We’ve distributed 200+ Activity Kits to families and 400+ bags of cleaning supplies to providers.
A Message from our CEO
Children’s Council reaffirms our commitment to stand with those who fight for justice, equality and peace.
Can I Send My Kids to Summer Camp and Child Care this Summer?
See how COVID-19 can impact your child’s summer program – and learn to minimize it.
Early Educators – Want to Care for Children during COVID-19?
Is caring for children of essential workers the right choice for you?
Emergency Child Care During COVID-19 for Essential Workers + Children At-Risk or Special Needs
Essential workers, child care providers, and families at home: we are here for you.
We Are All in This Together!
A message from our CEO Gina M. Fromer
Stay-at-Home Resources for Stay-at-Home Families
Stay-at-home resources for families.
Concerned About Your Child Care Program or Preschool?
Important information for families and child care providers.
Children’s Council Responds to COVID-19/Coronavirus
In accordance with directives from city leadership and health officials, Children’s Council offices are currently closed.
2020 Child Care Champions Honoree & Co-Chairs
Celebrating our honoree Renee Underwood and Co-Chairs Vinkey Allen and Victoria Fram.
First5 Summit Spotlights Equity in Action
CEO Gina M. Fromer and Chief Advancement Officer Amie Latterman join hundreds of ECE leaders from across the state.
2020 Child Care Champions Luncheon Announced
Join us for our fifth annual Child Care Champions Luncheon on Friday May 8, 2020 at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown San Francisco. Purchase early bird tickets now and […]
Happy Lunar New Year!
A special video greeting from our CEO Gina M. Fromer.
Children’s Council Reflects on Martin Luther King Day
Remember the great leader who paved the way for generations of civil rights advocates.