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The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) creates and coordinates services that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents.

Driven by the needs of residents, the department's services, programs, and initiatives provide support to Cambridge residents across their lifespan and experience, from newborns to children and teens; young adults to older adults; lifelong Cambridge residents to people who immigrate to Cambridge. We also partner closely with community organizations and local employers.

DHSP focuses on equitably serving Cambridge’s diverse community and increasing access to programs and services, particularly for low-income individuals and families and residents from historically marginalized communities. 

Cambridge Office of Early Childhood

a classroom of preschoolers raise their hand

The mission of the Cambridge Office of Early Childhood (OEC) is to connect the city’s early childhood ecosystem and align early childhood services and information. OEC also advocates for and advances the needs of all young children, their families, and the early childhood workforce. Through the Cambridge Preschool Program and other initiatives, OEC strives to ensure that every child and family in Cambridge has access to high quality early care and education experiences so that all children enter school ready to thrive.    

The Office of Early Childhood is a joint office of the City of Cambridge Department of Human Service Programs and Cambridge Public Schools. 

View OEC's website

Coming Up

  • Fun Under the Sun - Basketball

    The Cambridge Summer Food Program is proud to bring back Fun Under the Sun, a recreation initiative that encourages Cambridge youth to get active, have fun, and make connections. Come for lunch and stay to play!

  • Strong and Stretched for Older Adults

    This is a low impact, easy to follow, 60-min seated class. This class is appropriate for adults of all fitness levels and participants can go at their own pace.

  • Screen on the Green Family Movie Night: Up

    Enjoy family-friendly entertainment and free snacks, followed by a movie on the big screen!

  • Career Training in Early Childhood Education Information Session

    Want to become an early childhood educator? Learn about free training for your Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential, including classes, a paid internship and help finding employment.

  • Cambridge Book Bike 2026

    Book Bike visits 10 parks near you to give away free books and run activities during the summer for Cambridge children of all ages, in conjunction with DHSP's Summer Food program.

  • Dancing for Balance

    This fun, friendly dance class is suited for all fitness levels. You will learn basic steps geared towards improving one’s balance. Seated warm up and cool down exercises are performed.

  • Introduction to Acting for Older Adults

    Join us on a journey of discovery; explore your creativity and hone your acting skills! Registration is required for the 8-week series.

  • Ping Pong Workshops for Older Adults

    If you are interested in learning how to play Ping Pong or enjoy playing, join one of the workshops. A volunteer will be available to play with you and demonstrate the elements and rules of the game.

  • Fun Under the Sun - Basketball

    The Cambridge Summer Food Program is proud to bring back Fun Under the Sun, a recreation initiative that encourages Cambridge youth to get active, have fun, and make connections. Come for lunch and stay to play!

  • Strong and Stretched for Older Adults

    This is a low impact, easy to follow, 60-min seated class. This class is appropriate for adults of all fitness levels and participants can go at their own pace.

  • Screen on the Green Family Movie Night: Up

    Enjoy family-friendly entertainment and free snacks, followed by a movie on the big screen!

  • Career Training in Early Childhood Education Information Session

    Want to become an early childhood educator? Learn about free training for your Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential, including classes, a paid internship and help finding employment.

  • Cambridge Book Bike 2026

    Book Bike visits 10 parks near you to give away free books and run activities during the summer for Cambridge children of all ages, in conjunction with DHSP's Summer Food program.

  • Dancing for Balance

    This fun, friendly dance class is suited for all fitness levels. You will learn basic steps geared towards improving one’s balance. Seated warm up and cool down exercises are performed.

  • Introduction to Acting for Older Adults

    Join us on a journey of discovery; explore your creativity and hone your acting skills! Registration is required for the 8-week series.

  • Fun Under the Sun - Basketball

    The Cambridge Summer Food Program is proud to bring back Fun Under the Sun, a recreation initiative that encourages Cambridge youth to get active, have fun, and make connections. Come for lunch and stay to play!

  • Strong and Stretched for Older Adults

    This is a low impact, easy to follow, 60-min seated class. This class is appropriate for adults of all fitness levels and participants can go at their own pace.

  • Screen on the Green Family Movie Night: Up

    Enjoy family-friendly entertainment and free snacks, followed by a movie on the big screen!

Contact Us

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Service Requests

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