Hi, SF Families!
From the day new parents bring their baby home from the hospital, they have questions. Sparkler is a mobile app, provided for FREE by the San Francisco Department of Early Childhood and Support for Families to San Francisco families with children aged birth to 5. It’s available for iOS and Android in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
On-the-Go Support for Families
For families, Sparkler is a mobile app, in English, Spanish, and Chinese on Android/iOS, smartphones and tablets. Families get:
- Developmental screening (ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2) to check in on their child’s development.
- A library of 2,000 playful activities created by early childhood educators to help parents and children play off screen to promote learning.
- Connection with professionals — Parents can tap into answers and a network of support from local programs and care coordinators at Support for Families.
Get Started With Sparkler Today!
Follow along to sign up for Sparkler and get started.
Looking for other videos about how to use Sparkler? Please visit our learning library page!
Families can download and register for free today.Use a the Sparkler Access Code from your school/program or the general code "SF" to tap into a network of local support.
Mobile Screening & Monitoring
Sparkler makes the Ages & Stages Questionnaires, which are endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, more equitably accessible. It also offers adaptations of the CDC’s Learn the Signs Act Early milestones to help families monitor children’s development, as well as thousands of parenting tips and fun activities that spark off-line interaction, growth, and learning.
What Families Get With Sparkler
KNOW
Monitor your child's learning to develop a better understanding of children’s development from birth through age 5. Get handy tips — just for parents and caregivers of young children!
PLAY
Play-time activity ideas to help parents/caregivers spark learning and connect with children, every day!
GROW
Tools to track and monitor children's progress in achieving milestones.
CONNECT
Free coaching from child development professionals at Support for Families or from your local program/provider.
Learn About Sparkler's Developmental Playgroups
The SF Department of Early Childhood selected Sparkler + the National Center for Families Learning to work with local organizations in San Francisco to provide developmental playgroups to families with children 0-3 years old with mild to moderate concerns about child development. The playgroups — which launch in fall 2024 — are free for families and available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
The Best Feature? Being able to access answers and support directly from child development professionals, from home or wherever you are!
Families can download and register for free today.Use a the Sparkler Access Code from your school/program or the general code "SF" to tap into a network of local support.
Questions? Reach out: support@playsparkler.org
A Family Engagement Tool for Providers
Are you an educator or other San Francisco-based provider? Please visit our web page for providers to get more info on Sparkler and how you can use Sparkler’s app and dashboard to engage and support the families in your program.
