Children
We are committed to strengthening children, youth and their families by providing services that improve health, safety and quality of life.
Our programs foster early childhood development and education, family support, and young children’s readiness for school through teamwork with parents, staff, and community partners. A holistic approach integrates health, nutrition, early literacy, parenting education, adult literacy, and mental health services.
Head Start
Head Start promotes school readiness for three- to five-year-old children. The program provides activities that foster children’s social, emotional, and cognitive (language, reading and math) skills, and that nurture physical health. Full- and half-day programs are available at 17 locations throughout the City.
Early Head Start
Early Head Start serves very young children (birth to three years old) and their parents by focusing on prenatal services and positive parenting skills. Early Head Start provides early childhood education along with a range of other health, nutrition, parenting education, and mental health services. Children who participate exhibit gains in cognitive and language development and improved social and emotional skills.
Safe Walk to School
SWS creates an environment where children feel safe by providing adult monitors at school sites before and after school to perform crossing guard duties and patrol neighborhoods on foot.
Summer Food Service Program
The Summer Lunch Program helps children in Oakland get the nutrition they need to learn, play, and grow throughout the summer—making them better prepared to start another school year. The Summer Lunch Program encourages healthy eating habits leading to normal weight and a positive self-image.
Oakland Fund for Children & Youth
The Oakland Fund for Children & Youth sets aside 2.5% of unrestricted general Fund revenues each year to support direct services for children and youth.
