About the Nonprofit
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The San Marcos Parent-Child workshop (SMPCW) is a non-profit 501(c)3, licensed, cooperative preschool and parent education class. The lecture/lab instructor is provided by the Continuing Education division of Santa Barbara City College.
San Marcos Parent-Child Workshop opened on the San Marcos High School campus in 1959 and relocated to the Grace Gathering campus in 2016.
It is operated by caregivers under the supervision of a Director and Assistant Director educated in Early Childhood Education and Parent Education. Caregivers enrolled in the co-operative morning program participate actively one morning a week in the preschool setting. Caregivers also attend a weekly evening parent education class at the school, where a variety of parenting issues are discussed and speakers from the community share their expertise. Our program is an extension of the SBCC School of Extended Learning. These classes are offered during the Fall and Spring semesters. Learn more about the parent curriculum here.
Children between the ages of 2.5 - 5 years are introduced to a quality preschool experience, using developmentally appropriate practices. The nurturing, loving environment makes an ideal first school experience for your child and brings out the best in you as a parent. We practice gentle separation for both parent and child and promote non-violent conflict resolution. We provide a natural classroom setting with a wholesome, organic snack.
The afternoon play-based care program offers the cooperative parent as well as all community families an opportunity for all-day child care in an enriching, safe, and stimulating environment.
Day-to-day operations are the responsibility of the members. All preschool families are required to participate actively within the co-op administering day-to-day operations through work on school Committees. Members may choose to participate in the way that best suits their talents.
The management of the school is the responsibility of a Board of Directors, elected from the caregivers of the school.
We are very proud of our long history spanning over 60 years serving the families of Goleta and Santa Barbara.
