The Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum is now under the management of Children’s Resource & Referral, a nonprofit organization that took over operations July 1 in a merger aimed at expanding educational programs and support for families.

The museum, at 705 S. McClelland St. in Santa Maria, has been renamed the Children’s Resource & Referral Discovery Museum, joining a network of CRR-run programs across Santa Barbara County.

CRR has supported families and child care providers countywide for more than 50 years. Formally established in 1971, the organization offers child care referrals, early learning support and financial assistance for working and low-income families.

CRR Chief Operating Officer Jacquilyn Banta said the merger with the museum reflects the organization’s mission to create enriching environments for children and families.

“Our shared vision is rooted in one belief: that all children deserve the chance to discover their potential,” Banta told attendees during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday.

The museum will continue operating Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with $7 admission. Children younger than age 2 get in for free, according to CRR.

First Steps Under New Management

In the first week after the transition, CRR staff deep-cleaned the facility, refreshed materials and began reviewing exhibits to align with child development standards, according to Banta.

“This was stage one — getting it clean from top to bottom and honoring what people originally envisioned,” she said.

Banta said local partners, including Santa Maria City Fire and CoastHills Credit Union, which sponsor hands-on exhibits at the museum, have committed to updating their installations in collaboration with CRR’s early education team.

“Stage two is continuing to work with our community partners to improve existing exhibits or bring in new ones,” Banta said. “We’re already collaborating with Vandenberg on a few new ideas.”

Banta said the merger has re-energized community partners and renewed their interest in shaping the museum’s future.

“I think it’s given our local partners this new life to their space, and they really want to do well for our community,” she said.

Stability and Growth

The museum, which has operated at its current location since 2005, previously relied on a small staff and a volunteer board, maintaining day-to-day functions but with limited capacity for growth.

Dave Machin, former board president, said the merger brings long-term stability and access to support that wasn’t previously available.

“We never had the resources to do what they’ll be able to do now,” Machin said.

Support for Families

Families visiting the museum can now access CRR’s support services on-site, including help finding child care and applying for subsidized programs. Banta said CRR staff are available to help families identify licensed providers, understand the characteristics of high-quality care and navigate available options.

“We’re the only organization in the county with a full database of licensed child care providers,” Banta said. “Families can work with a referral specialist to find care that fits their needs and get support understanding what quality looks and feels like.”

CRR also offers child care subsidies for families who qualify based on work, school or income status. The goal, Banta said, is to make early education more accessible while empowering parents with information and support.

Future Programming

CRR plans to introduce new educational programming at the museum, including STEM nights, expanded family hours and multilingual learning events.

The organization is also exploring a mobile discovery museum that would bring hands-on exhibits to other parts of the county.

Banta said the goal is to keep the environment fresh and rooted in research-based child development strategies.

“We believe in a continuum of quality improvement,” she said. “When we know better, we do better.”