Find out if you are eligible and how to apply for the City of Oakland Early Childhood and Family Services Program.
Submitting Your Application
You can submit an application online, in-person, by mail or by email. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Acceptance into the program is based on need and not on application submission timing. Don't forget to include the necessary documents with your application.
Please do not hesitate to call us at (510) 238-3165 or email us at ERSEA@oaklandca.gov with any questions.
Filling Out Your Application
The first step in submitting your application for program services is determining eligibility. You also need to gather the necessary documents for the application.
Proof of Age
The City of Oakland Early Childhood and Family Services Program is available for children ages birth to five. To prove age of your child, please provide one of the following.
- Birth Certificate
- Passport
- Hospital Letter
- Social Services Letter
- Government document (Visa, Residence Card, Refugee, etc)
- Proof of pregnancy such as a doctor's note
Eligibility and Documentation
Families must meet one of the following categories. You do not need to meet every category, but respective documentation in each category is required.
- Low-Income: Please refer to the 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines for more information. You must submit proof of total Family Income from all income sources.
- Over-Income: Families within the over-income bracket (above 130% on poverty guideline chart) can apply.
- Public Assistance: If you receive eligible public assistance programs (TANF (CalWORKS), a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/CalFRESH, or Social Security Supplemental Income (SSI)), your family is are categorically eligible. You do not need to submit income information. Instead, submit your public assistance statement.
- Homeless Family: If your family is experiencing homelessness, your family is categorically eligible. You are not required to submit income information. Submit a Shelter or Social Services Agency Letter verifying homelessness.
- Foster Care: Formal foster or kinship care placements are categorically eligible. You are not required to submit income information. Submit a Social Services Letter, Court-Order, or foster care payment statement.
Find out more about the eligibility and documentation requirements to see if your child can attend an infant, toddler, or preschool option.
Program Options
Educational options and care is available at three types of locations:
- Center-Based: At one of our locations throughout Oakland
- Home-Based: Weekly 90-minute educational visits to your home
- Family Child Care Providers: Education and care provided in licensed homes
You can rank which program options you want most. Find your nearest Early Childhood Center.
How to Submit Your Application
Below, select the preferred method to fill out and submit your application and follow the instructions.