Frequently Asked Questions
What are alternatives to the UCSF child care centers?
A range of child care centers, pre-schools and family child care homes operate in the Bay Area. UCSF families have diverse needs and rely upon a variety of child care solutions, including center-based care, family child cares, nannies, au pairs and nanny shares. We encourage you to learn about different options that might work for your family. These resources may be helpful in assisting you in your child care search:
• UCSF Child Care Referral Service – a free resource for UCSF faculty, students and staff seeking care in San Francisco
• Sittercity – available to faculty, staff, postdocs, residents, clinical fellows and students
• Children's Council of San Francisco – a San Francisco community resource
• Bright Horizons privately operated centers – follow the prompts to find centers in your area.
Are there San Francisco programs that can help me pay for child care?
Families might qualify for the San Francisco Department of Early Childhood’s Early Learning for All (ELFA). This program helps income-eligible S. F. families with children 0-5 years old pay for care at ELFA network child care facilities, such as the UCSF child care centers. Visit SFDEC to learn about Early Learning for All’s income requirements, application process, network child care facilities, and more. Note: due to high demand and limited funding, ELFA eligibility does not guarantee immediate assistance.
Where can I learn more about services available to support families at UCSF?
Visit myfamily.ucsf.edu or subscribe to the Family Services e-newsletter, just for UCSF families. We look forward to serving you.
Explore alternative care options. Get information on Early Learning for All (ELFA), a San Francisco child care subsidy program.
