We welcome your application to the Early Childhood Education Program (ECEP).
When to apply
We recommend you apply as soon as possible if interested.
- Applications are accepted year-round, with the acceptance process for fall spaces beginning in January.
- We offer spaces as they become available throughout the year, with the majority of openings occurring at the beginning of the fall semester in August.
- Applications for infants can be initiated during pregnancy.
Who can apply
Our programs are open to all: UC Berkeley student parents, faculty, and staff, as well as members of the local community who are unaffiliated with UC Berkeley.
- Priority: Children and grandchildren of UC Berkeley students, staff, faculty, and affiliates receive priority. Learn more about how applications are prioritized on our ECEP Frequently Asked Questions page.
- Subsidies for childcare: Some UC Berkeley student parents, staff, and faculty may be eligible for free or reduced-fee childcare depending on the size of their family, gross monthly income, and other factors. Learn about eligibility for Subsidized Childcare.
How to apply
We have a few different application processes depending on your affiliation with UC Berkeley and whether or not you are applying for subsidized care. Please submit your application according to the instructions below.
Qualifying student parents, staff, and faculty applying for subsidized care
Some UC Berkeley students, staff, and faculty may qualify for subsidized care depending on the size of their family, gross monthly income, and other factors. Student parents receive priority for subsidies. Learn if you are qualified for Subsidized Childcare. If you believe you qualify, download and fill out the Subsidy Family Interest Application Form; then email the form to moreida@berkeley.edu. No application fee is required.
Student parents applying for non-subsidized care
If you are a student parent who does not qualify for subsidized care, you can still apply for non-subsidized care. Please download and fill out the Non-Subsidized Application Form; then email the form to moreida@berkeley.edu. No application fee is required.
Staff and faculty applying for non-subsidized care, visiting scholars, and families not associated with UC Berkeley
If you are a UC Berkeley staff or faculty member who does not qualify for subsidized care, a visiting scholar, or a family that does not have an association with the university, you are eligible to apply. Please fill out the online ECEP Application for Enrollment. A non-refundable $50 application fee will be charged.
Accessibility
If accommodations are needed due to a disability, please send an email to moreida@berkeley.edu or call 510-643-1482 for alternative application formats.
For more information
Visit our ECEP Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common questions about enrollment and our program.