1.2 - Early Education Options

Early Education Options

The EED offers both school-day and full-time educational options to choose from, including both subsidized and tuition-based enrollment slots; For more information, see section "Costs & Fees" and contact the EED Enrollment Office at 415-241-6085 with any specific eligibility questions. 

•  Full-time Toddler:  SFUSD’s Early Education Schools are places where children can make friends, play, and learn new things every day! Our year-round program supports children's holistic development, fostering growth in their physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. Some elementary schools also have this program. To find a school near you, look in the “Schools at a Glance” section of the Preschool Application Guide. Children need to be between 18 and 36 months to join.

• Full-time Preschool:  SFUSD's Early Education Schools provide young children with the caring and supportive school environment that promotes each child's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development through full-day, year-round programs. This option is also available at a select number of elementary schools. Please refer to the "Schools at a Glance" section of the Early Education Application Guide for a list of schools. Children must be at least three years old on or before December 1st of the academic year to be eligible, some sites may be able to enroll students as early as 2 years old until June 2027 under current CDE Guidance. 

•  School-day Preschool:  This option, typically offered at elementary schools, is funded by both the California Department of Education (CDE) and the federal government to provide a six-hour (school-day) preschool class during the academic year. These programs aim to ensure that all children have access to high-quality education and reach grade-level proficiency. To be eligible, children must turn three years old on or before December 1st of the academic year, some sites may be able to enroll students as early as 2 years old until June 2027 under current CDE Guidance

• Out-of-School Time Programs (OST):  The EED collaborates with elementary schools to extend children’s learning and development, creating a safe, engaging, and high-quality environment throughout the year—including during spring and summer breaks and teacher in-service days. The out-of-school time (OST) program uses project-based and experiential learning to support children's physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and creative growth from transitional kindergarten (TK) through 5th grade. Students enjoy a balanced mix of academics, outdoor play, enrichment activities, and field trips, while receiving personalized homework support from experienced staff. SFUSD provides bus transportation between several elementary and early education schools. Families interested in subsidized OST services must meet eligibility and need requirements set by the CDE. For inquiries about subsidized or tuition-based enrollment, please contact the OST school you are considering.