With a city focus on providing more childcare options to its residents, the Goleta City Council, in December, approved funding for several childcare initiatives to support local families and enhance community well-being.

Using that funding, made possible through Measure B, Children’s Resource & Referral (CRR) is starting a program to create 96 new licensed childcare spaces in the Goleta.

CRR will take 12 individuals and provide them with the tools they need to become a licensed home childcare provider.

To be considered for the program, interested Goleta residents should call 805-925-7071 or email ProviderServices@crrsb.org by April 1.

In addition to CRR, Goleta is partnering with local nonprofits the Santa Barbara Foundation, United Way of Santa Barbara County, and Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) in its efforts to provide accessible, affordable childcare solutions for working families.

For CRR’s Goleta program, those selected will receive personalized coaching, rigorous training, and business development support.

Once licensed, providers will participate in an eight-week Quality Business Cohort, a collaborative effort with WEV, to gain entrepreneurial skills.

The cohort will also receive training in the Environmental Rating Scale tool, a methodology designed to elevate the quality of care and programming within their Family Child Care Homes.

Upon completing the cohort in 2026, each provider will be awarded $2,500 worth of materials and furnishings, tailored to their specific needs and assessment results.

Direct any questions to Shannon Kirn at the city of Goleta via email skirn@cityofgoleta.org or call 805-562-5512.

CRR helps aspiring childcare providers start their own licensed programs. CRR also administers subsidy programs that give lower income and at-risk families the financial assistance to access high-quality care, providing early learning experiences to help prepare children for kindergarten. Learn more at https://crrsbc.org.