Every child deserves a childhood that sees them.
AAECE equips the providers who care for San Francisco's African American children with culturally responsive, trauma-informed, non-punitive training — built by providers who've done this work for decades.
Built by the providers who've been doing this the longest.
AAECE was founded by family child care providers already trusted by the community — not around a program idea, but around the people already doing the work.
Four commitments, held in every workshop we run.
Our programs are our values — each pillar shapes how providers are trained and how children are treated in the classroom.
Courage to speak up and learn
We empower children to speak up, take risks, and have the courage to learn — and help families build deep, healthy relationships and communication with their young children.
Classrooms where kids feel proud
Peer-to-peer workshops equip providers with resources to build culturally-proficient, diverse, and inclusive learning environments where African American students feel celebrated.
Responding to race-based stress
Even micro instances of anti-Black racism cause toxic stress in African American children. We train providers to respond proactively and know where to find support.
Ending the discipline gap
Black children are disproportionately removed, suspended, or disciplined. We help providers recognize bias and build non-punitive, accountable classrooms instead.
Early childhood sets the foundation for everything that follows.
Research consistently shows that experiences in early and middle childhood shape lifelong cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development — and later success in school and in life. Inadequate caregiving, environmental stressors, and bias can seriously compromise that growth. AAECE exists to make sure the providers closest to that window are equipped to protect it.
Black Families in Nature
Formerly the Black Outside Project — free, family-friendly gatherings that create safe, welcoming, joyful outdoor spaces for Black families across San Francisco, with games, activities, refreshments, and a guided leisure hike.
Register for an EventEcoCenter at Herons Head Park
10am–1pm · celebrating the EcoCenter's 16th anniversary
McLaren Park
Corner of Olmstead & University St · 10am–1pm
Randall Museum
199 Museum Way · 10am–1pm
Blue Heron Lake
Golden Gate Park · 10am–1pm
Bison Paddock
Golden Gate Park · 10am–1pm
Haight Street Fair
10am–1pm
McLaren Redwood Playground
10am–1pm
Bay Area Science Festival
10am–1pm
Three goals for the families and providers we serve.
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1
Support for families and youth, ages 0–5
Resources, tools, and provider support that prepare young children for school and lifelong learning.
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2
A dedicated hub for our providers
Building a home base of support for new and legacy African American providers, and everyone who cares for African American children in San Francisco.
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3
Workshops that support the learning experience
Curating and facilitating workshops for families, providers, and the wider community.