In a move designed to transform the landscape of early learning and family support services on the Central Coast, Children’s Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County (CRR) and the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum (SMVDM) are merging as of July 1.

A young museum visitor sits at the controls of a white, kid-size space shuttle. (Courtesy photo)
Hands-on and interactive learning have been hallmarks of the Discovery Museum. (Courtesy photo)

As part of the transition, CRR will remain the umbrella organization, continuing to support families, early educators, and communities across the region.

The Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum will now operate as Children’s Resource & Referral’s Discovery Museum, a mission-aligned space dedicated to hands-on learning, exploration, and early childhood enrichment.

The change reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to high-quality educational experiences for all children, the museum said.

It also blends CRR’s leadership in child-care resource and referral services with the Discovery Museum’s legacy of interactive, hands-on learning, the museum said.

“This is more than a merger, it’s a movement toward a stronger, more connected future for our community’s children,” said Michelle Graham, CEO at CRR. “Together, we are expanding access to early education, enriching learning experiences, and supporting families where they are, both in life and in learning.”

By aligning missions, operations and outreach, the new Children’s Resource & Referral Discovery Museum plans to do the following:

  • Strengthen the Educational Continuum – Merging playful discovery with school readiness and child development support.
  • Broaden Community Reach – Deepening engagement with underserved populations across Santa Barbara County.
  • Boost Operational Efficiency – Leveraging shared resources and facilities.
  • Foster Innovative Programming – Launching new offerings like STEM Nights, Stay & Play family hours, mobile discovery units, and multilingual access initiatives.

With CRR’s operational capacity and the Discovery Museum’s community-rooted programming, the merger will expand service reach, annual visitor capacity, and access to enriched services, partnerships, and extended hours.

“The CRR Discovery Museum will not only preserve the joyful, hands-on experiences children know and love, it will also integrate access to child care referrals, parenting resources, and educational programs under one roof,” the museum said. “Families will experience the convenience and empowerment of a single destination for play, learning, and support.”

“Our shared vision is rooted in one belief: that all children deserve the chance to discover their potential,” said Jacquilyn Banta, COO at CRR. “This is our commitment to a more inclusive, innovative and resilient future for Santa Barbara County.”

A ribbon cutting ceremony for the Discover Museum will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 8 at 705 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

Learn more at www.crrsbc.org.