Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Child Development Program?

The Child Development Program, established in 1943, is the largest provider of early child care and educational services for approximately 4,300 infants/toddlers, preschool, and school-age children in the city and county of San Francisco. Our parents are working, attending school or are in job training and meet federal and state income guidelines. Most Centers are open five days a week from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. throughout the year. {top}

How many classes are at TEP?

There are four prekindergarten classrooms for ages 3-5 years old. TEP has four school-age classes (K-3) in the after-school program. {top}

Why has the site chosen literacy development as a priority?

The majority of our children are English Language Learners (ELL) and from low-income families. These factors inform our instruction and mandate the need for a strong literacy development component in our curriculum to support our children?s academic and life-time success. {top}

How does TEP Child Development Center (CDC) differ from the TEP Project?

The CDC is part of Child Development Program of the San Francisco Unified School District. The Tule Elk Park Project is the fundraising arm of the Center, working to sustain the educational programs and support the citywide effort to green public schools. Tule Elk Park Project uses the Tides Center as its fiscal agent. The TEP Project maintains its own advisory council that is separate from the Center Policy Advisory Council (CPAC) of the Tule Elk Park CDC. {top}

Do I have to be low-income to enroll my child?

No. A limited number of tuition-based slots are available for middle and upper-income families. {top}

How can I volunteer my time at TEP?

Parents are important decision makers at TEP. We invite you to join the Center Policy Advisory Council (CPAC) that is comprised of parents/guardians, teachers, the site director, and other staff. You can volunteer in the classroom, lead fundraising efforts, chaperon on field trips, and participate in the exciting sitewide projects. {top}

Are there parenting classes for me and my family?

The Child Development Program (CDP) offers a series of parent education workshops each year. TEP teaching staff also provide a fall and spring Parent-Classroom Teaching Team meeting every year. TEP has a mental health specialist and social worker on site once a week to consult with staff and families. English as A Second Language (ESL) classes are offered to parents at TEP twice a week in the evening. Childcare is provided. {top}

You can make a donation by writing a check to Tule Elk Park/Tides Center. You can also participate in the Center?s annual fundraiser that is held every fall with the entire community in attendance. Please call the school for further information. {top}

Can I take a site tour?

Yes. Site tours are offered in the spring and fall each year. Please call the office to schedule a tour. {top}

How can I participate in the effort to green schoolyards in San Francisco?

You can become a member of the San Francisco Green Schoolyard Alliance. Visit their website at http://www.sfgreenschools.org. TEP welcomes your participation in our community education and fundraising effort to sustain the vital educational programs at the site and fulfill the long-term objective to build and sustain outdoor learning environments for every public school in San Francisco. {top}

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