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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

  • Walking Group for Older Adults

    Join us for our Walking Group series, a guided set of weekly walks designed to encourage movement, connection, and exploration.

  • Ethiopian Hour

    Every other Tuesday Yemi Kibret of CEOC will lead the Ethiopian Elders Group. This group provides support and resources for fellow Ethiopians in our community.

  • Strong and Stretched for Older Adults in North Cambridge

    A 60-minute class starting with a cardio warm up, strengthening exercises using hand weights or Thera bands for resistance. Muscle conditioning reinforces good posture

  • Film & Discussion for Older Adults

    Movie: Michael

  • Tech Help for Older Adults

    Staff will be available to answer common questions about your wireless devices, laptops, and applications such as Zoom and Facebook.

  • Zumba Gold

    This is a low impact, easy to follow, 45-minute Latin-inspired dance class. This class is appropriate for adults of all fitness levels and participants can go at their own pace.

  • One-on-One Technology Help for Older Adults in North Cambridge

    Need help with your technology? If you have a cellphone, tablet or laptop, we can help.

  • Cambridge Preschool Program Family Information Session

    The Cambridge Preschool Program application for the 2027-2028 school year will be open from October 1 - November 13, 2026. Attend this virtual meeting to learn more about CPP eligibility, program options, and the application and matching process.

  • Walking Group for Older Adults

    Join us for our Walking Group series, a guided set of weekly walks designed to encourage movement, connection, and exploration.

  • Ethiopian Hour

    Every other Tuesday Yemi Kibret of CEOC will lead the Ethiopian Elders Group. This group provides support and resources for fellow Ethiopians in our community.

  • Strong and Stretched for Older Adults in North Cambridge

    A 60-minute class starting with a cardio warm up, strengthening exercises using hand weights or Thera bands for resistance. Muscle conditioning reinforces good posture

  • Film & Discussion for Older Adults

    Movie: Michael

  • Tech Help for Older Adults

    Staff will be available to answer common questions about your wireless devices, laptops, and applications such as Zoom and Facebook.

  • Zumba Gold

    This is a low impact, easy to follow, 45-minute Latin-inspired dance class. This class is appropriate for adults of all fitness levels and participants can go at their own pace.

  • One-on-One Technology Help for Older Adults in North Cambridge

    Need help with your technology? If you have a cellphone, tablet or laptop, we can help.

  • Cambridge Preschool Program Family Information Session

    The Cambridge Preschool Program application for the 2027-2028 school year will be open from October 1 - November 13, 2026. Attend this virtual meeting to learn more about CPP eligibility, program options, and the application and matching process.

  • Walking Group for Older Adults

    Join us for our Walking Group series, a guided set of weekly walks designed to encourage movement, connection, and exploration.

  • Ethiopian Hour

    Every other Tuesday Yemi Kibret of CEOC will lead the Ethiopian Elders Group. This group provides support and resources for fellow Ethiopians in our community.

  • Strong and Stretched for Older Adults in North Cambridge

    A 60-minute class starting with a cardio warm up, strengthening exercises using hand weights or Thera bands for resistance. Muscle conditioning reinforces good posture

Contact Us

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