One of my motivations for launching SBParent.com almost 8 years ago was my search for the perfect preschool. I looked around and saw how many parents were creating the same lists to try and figure out the best options for their toddlers. I knew there had to be an easier way! Choosing a preschool can be a daunting task, especially when you are told while you are still pregnant that you should get your child on a waiting list if you want to get into a good school. Do you really need to know which preschool program you want to enroll in before you even know the sex of your child? The answer is no, although it is something you want to spend some time researching. Start early and take your time so that you do have choices! We have incredible private schools and preschools in our community and it is worth doing the research to find the fit for your family.

PRESCHOOL RESOURCES: We have some great tips and questionnaires on how to go about finding the right school for your child and the questions to ask the directors. There is also a list of some of the preschool philosophies which is important when trying to figure out the right match for your child. Click to find a complete list of  Preschool Programs & Daycare >>

PRIVATE SCHOOLS: Santa Barbara boasts some incredible PRIVATE SCHOOLS. Scroll below to see a list of schools, complete with links to their websites. One of these schools is Midland School who was recently awarded California's highest environmental honor: the 2009 Governor's Environmental & Economic Leadership Award.  Read more >>

SCHOLARSHIPS are offered at many preschools and private schools so if you feel something is out of your reach but would be an ideal situation for your child, ask! Every high school student should know about the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara... For 46 years, the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara has helped local students pay for their higher education - vocational, community college, or four year college or graduate school. Find out if you are eligible >> (Deadlines for applications are at the end of the month.)

Last month, I had the opportunity to listen to a shocking speech by Vicki Wedmore, Director of Student Programs of the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara. I was not surprised to hear about the increasing fees. What bothered me was this stat... Among a sampling of 2009 U.S. college graduates, between 70 and 80% moved back home with their parents after graduation! Read the entire speech on our blog to find out more about what we can expect from our MILLENNIAL generation >>

Our family is about to enter it's next educational phase... my oldest daughters will begin Junior High in the fall. When our kids get into elementary school and we choose to put them in the public school system, our choices are often made for us. If you need information on attending a public school other than your neighborhood school, call your district. You may be eligible to transfer to another school either within (Intradistrict Enrollment) or out of (Interdistrict Enrollment) your school district. Curious about which district your house is located in? Click to view a color-coded map of districts. View more on procedures/guidelines >>

RESOURCES FOR ELEMENTARY - HIGH SCHOOL:

• View SCHOOL DISTRICT Bus Schedules, Lunch Menus, School Board info
• Check your SCHOOL DISTRICT CALENDARS to find out about holiday and conference schedules
• Get familiar with the PTA and other ways to volunteer at school
• Interested in more details on your school district?
• Read up on the academic and demographic profile on your school and compare it with other schools in your area at GreatSchools.org
  Click on the Santa Barbara County School District site to print a school accountability REPORT CARD on any school in our county.
• View a complete list of all the school board representatives in each district.
• STAR TEST Results (Standardized Testing and Reporting)... All students in California in grades 2-8 are tested in reading, written expression, spelling, and mathematics. Students in grades 9-11 are tested in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and history-social science.
• GATE... (Gifted And Talented Education Program) is designed to meet the needs of those students who demonstrate exceptional intellectual capability, and have been identified as gifted and/or greatly exceed grade level expectations. Through differentiated instruction, GATE students have equal access to the core curriculum and opportunities to not only meet, but to exceed grade level standards. Find out about how you test into GATE... SB Elementary District * SB Secondary District
  
• SPECIAL EDUCATION - Each district special education local plan area (SELPA) or county office shall provide for the identification and assessment of an individual's exceptional needs and the planning of an instructional program to best meet the assessed needs. A child's program will be developed at the individualized education program (IEP) team meeting. Both federal and state laws require that an IEP be written for each student who is eligible for, and placed in, a special education setting. The IEP is a written statement about the special education and related services that will be provided for each child. Click for a full overview or scroll below for more details. 
• Find a printable Snacks & Lunch Ideas list

Your child spends the majority of their day in school once they enter first grade so be sure to communicate with your teacher and principal and follow the notices that come home from the PTA, School Board, administration, etc. You want to be informed. Parents should not be afraid to ask for help or share their concerns if they do not feel their child's needs are being met. After all, your child's education is the key to opening up many doors for them in the future.

Below is a partial list of upcoming events and activities so be sure to click on our EVENT CALENDAR so you do not miss anything >>

Use the PARENT PLANNER to click on events and resources you are interested in and click PRINT MY PLANNER to print or email your list.

Camp Calendar | School Schedules | Movie Showtimes

Submitted by:  First 5 of SB County

Choosing a child care provider is one of the most important decisions parents will make. The way children are cared for shapes their development and gives parents peace of mind while at work or school. Parents will want to choose a caregiver who understands children and nurtures their child's learning. Here are some tips to help you find quality child care:

1. Start early -Learn about child care, find the most appropriate caregiver, and get on waiting lists very early.

2. Do some research

• Contact the local Children's Resource and Referral Program - ask about the different types of child care programs
• Ask friends and co-workers which sites they take their children to

3. Visit and interview caregivers. Suggested questions:

• Is the caregiver licensed?
• Does the caregiver look like she/he is enjoying their work, and the children in their care are happy?
• Are they trained in child development?
• Does the caregiver speak to the children, even babies? Do they sing and read to the children?How does the caregiver feel about discipline? Weaning? Toilet training? Feeding? Do the caregiver's beliefs match your own?
• Is the environment clean and safe?

4. Be a partner - once your child is enrolled, talk often with your child's caregiver about your child's likes and dislikes, health and development.

Helpful Links: 

• First 5 Santa Barbara County 
  
• QualityChildCareSB.org
• Children's Resource and Referral Program - Santa Barbara Family Care Center

Preschools

Click HERE for descriptions on all these preschools.

Private Schools
Click HERE for descriptions on all these private schools.

Home Schooling Resources
Click HERE for descriptions on all these home school resources.

Public School Districts

One way to act as an advocate for your child in the education system is to file an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) with your school if your child has any type of learning disabilities. It keeps teachers and administrators stay informed and follows your child through schools so that they receive the services they need.

SELPA The Santa Barbara County Special Education Local Plan Area, SELPA, is a group of 23 school districts and the County Education Office that have joined together to provide Special Education programs and services.

• What is an IEP? Kids with delayed skills or disabilities might be eligible for special services that provide individualized education programs in public schools, free of charge to families. Parents can now work with educators to develop a plan - the individualized education plan (IEP) - to help kids succeed in school. The IEP describes the goals the team sets for a child during the school year, as well as any special support needed to help achieve them.
• Who is eligible for an IEP? A child who has difficulty learning and functioning or has been identified as a special needs student is the perfect candidate for an IEP. Kids struggling in school may qualify for support services, allowing them to be taught in a special way.
• What is the process? The referral process generally begins when a teacher, parent or doctor is concerned that a child may be having trouble in the classroom. Parents can request a conference with the teacher, principal and counselor. This informational meeting helps school personnel determine the next step. Strategies specific to the student can be implemented to help the child become more successful in school. After assessments and evaluations, the next step is an IEP meeting at which the team and parents decide what will go into the plan. Click to read more detailed information on KidsHealth.org.
• What is a 504 plan? This refers to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, which specifies that no one with a disability can be excluded from participating in federally funded programs or activities, including schooling. This can include physical impairments; illnesses or injuries; communicable diseases; chronic conditions like asthma, allergies and diabetes; and learning problems. A 504 plan spells out the modifications and accommodations that will be needed for these students to have an opportunity perform at the same level as their peers, and might include such things as wheelchair ramps, blood sugar monitoring, an extra set of textbooks, a peanut-free lunch environment, home instruction, or a tape recorder or keyboard for taking notes.
• SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SPECIAL EDUCATION family resources page >>
• Find a full list of local resources and parent support groups in our Disabilities and Special Needs area >>.