City of Oakland Home
Children
We are committed to “Strengthening Children, Youth and their Families” by providing program services that improve the health, safety and quality of life for Oakland’s children and youth.
 
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, mental health services for low-income children and their families.
 
 
Head Start
 
Head Start promotes school readiness for children ages three to five by providing activities that foster children’s social, emotional, and cognitive (language, reading and math) skills, and their physical health. Full and half day program options are available at 17 locations throughout the City. The program provides children and their families with opportunities to be involved in program activities, advocating for them and linking them with community service agencies which support their needs and goals.
 
Early Head Start
 
Early Head Start serves children birth to three years and their parents by focusing on prenatal services and positive impacts on parenting. Early Head Start provides early childhood education along with a range of other health, nutrition, parenting education, and mental health services The program encourages parents to strive toward more positive parenting by reading more to their children, being emotionally supportive and providing homes that support learning. Children who participate exhibit gains in cognitive and language development and improved social and emotional skills.
 
Even Start Family Literacy Program
 
Even Start is a comprehensive family literacy program that provides family-centered educational programs to improve children’s academic success and increase their parent’s educational and economic opportunities. Even Start has three locations citywide and serves families with children up to age seven.
 
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 the neighborhood on foot looking for safety problems.
 
Summer Food Service Program
 
The Summer Lunch Program strives to help 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 ranges and a positive self-image.
 
Oakland Fund for Children & Youth
 
The Oakland Fund for Children & Youth was established in 1996, when Oakland voters passed the Kids First! Initiative (Measure K). Measure K amended the City Charter, setting aside 2.5% of the unrestricted General Fund revenues annually to support direct services for children and youth.