Children of teen parents receive free child care and meals

Children of teen parents in the North County can receive free child care and meals through a program now beginning its 26th year.

Those enrolled in two California School Age Families Education Centers (Cal-SAFE) operated by the Santa Barbara County Education Office, William J. Cirone, Superintendent, receive free child care and free nutritious meals while their parents complete their high school education.

The program, which begins its 26th year in October, is operated by the County Education Office for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The infant centers are located on the campuses of two north county high schools:  Maple High School in Lompoc and Santa Maria High School.

In accordance with federal law and USDA policy, all children in attendance will be offered school readiness services and snacks at no charge, with no physical segregation of, or other discrimination against, any child because of race, color, national origin, sex, age, gender, religion, disability, or political beliefs.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write to:  USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC  20250-9410, or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Further information is available from the Santa Barbara County Education Office, Child Development Programs, at 964-4711, ext. 4431.

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Effective July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006