Family Opportunity Agenda.
On January 14, 2026, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie announced his Family Opportunity Agenda, a plan designed to bolster access to affordable, quality early care and education. This initiative increases the amount of financial support available for families making 111%-150% of AMI, and adds tuition support for families making 151% - 200% of AMI. There will be no change for families earning less than 110% AMI.
Children’s Council of San Francisco will be partnering with the Department of Early Childhood | SF.gov to support implementing these changes, some of which are starting now.
Income levels to Qualify for Child Care Financial Assistance.
| Family Income Level | What Families Pay | When This Applies | Any Change? | |
| Families earning less than 110% AMI* | Free | Now | No | |
| Families earning 111%–150% of AMI | Tuition credit equal to 100% of the fulltime Early Learning For All reimbursement rate | Now | Yes – expands amount of support available | Contact Wu Yee Children's Services at email: randr@wuyee.org or 844.644.4300 |
| Families earning 151%–200% of AMI | Discounted Tuition of 50% | Starts July 1, 2026 | Yes – previously not eligible for tuition support |
*AMI = Average Median Income. See income thresholds here.
FAQs:
Q: What is the Mayor’s Family Opportunity Initiative and how does it help families?
A: The Family Opportunity Agenda expands “Early Learning for All (ELFA)” financial assistance access so every family with children under five can access child care, making San Francisco the first U.S. city to achieve this goal. While families in San Francisco earning less than 110% of AMI already qualified for free child care, this initiative expands the amount of tuition assistance available for families earning 111% - 150% of AMI and now makes tuition assistance available to families earning 151% - 200% of AMI.
Q: What is ELFA?
ELFA is the acronym for Early Learning for All. It is San Francisco’s local financial assistance voucher program that offers free and low-cost child care to most San Francisco families. Families that qualify for ELFA, will receive financial assistance to attend any of the 500+ high-quality providers in the Early Learning For All network, which includes family child care homes to child care centers, and SFUSD early education schools.
Q: I’m a parent/guardian. How do I sign up or get started?
If you are not currently enrolled in an Early Learning For All (ELFA) program and interested in applying, the best place to start is www.sfdec.org. Head to Resources for Families, then click on Early Learning for All (ELFA). That section will walk you through everything you need to know, including:
- Eligibility (income + residency)
- Programs (where care is offered)
- Apply (how to start the process)
If you are currently enrolled in an ELFA program, you do not need to take any action. Families with fully funded tuition will continue to receive free early care and education uninterrupted, and families that currently receive a tuition credit will begin receiving the increased tuition support effective immediately.
Q: Do I have to live in San Francisco to receive support?
A: San Francisco residency is required for local voucher “ELFA”.
Q: What if my child is older than five?
A: You would not qualify for ELFA, however, Children’s Council manages other financial assistance programs that support children up to age 13. To learn more visit our website www.childrenscouncil.org or contact our Resource & Referral team at 415-343-3300 – email: rr@childrenscouncil.org
Q: Are there other child care financial supports I can access?
Children’s Council manages other financial assistance vouchers that serve children up to age 13. In addition, all four year olds in San Francisco can attend Transitional Kindergarten (TK) at no cost through SFUSD. To learn more contact our Resource & Referral team at 415.343.3300 or rr@childrenscouncil.org.
Q: I earn less than 110% AMI and am already receiving benefits. Is anything changing for me?
No, your benefits remain unchanged.
Q: What are the current ELFA payment rates for providers?
To learn more about tuition rates, click here.
Q: I am a licensed child care provider and I'm curious how I can participate in ELFA!
A: Children's Council is excited about the opportunities for providers and families in the Mayor's new initiative! We encourage providers to join our mailing list and check the San Francisco Department of Early Childhood (DEC) Website (sfdec.org) for the latest information as it becomes available. Our Support Team assists with Early Learning For All (ELFA) questions and local/city voucher onboarding. Contact support@childrenscouncil.org.
Q: What support can Children’s Council offer providers during onboarding?
A: Our Support Team can guide you through ELFA onboarding, documentation, payments and general inquiries. We also help providers understand state voucher participation requirements and streamline communication with subsidy agencies.
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