The Santa Barbara County
Strategic Plan for
Early Care and Education, 2006-2015

In 1998, local Child Care Planning Councils were charged, by the State, with the task of developing a comprehensive countywide child care plan designed to mobilize public and private resources to address identified needs. The first countywide plan for child care in Santa Barbara County, The Santa Barbara County Strategic Plan for Early Care and Education, 2000-2005, was completed in 2000. Download Accomplishments for a report of the progress made toward accomplishing the Desired Results identified in the first plan.

The Second countywide plan, Santa Barbara County Strategic Plan for Early Care and Education, 2006-2015, was based on the critical findings and recommendations of a needs assessment completed by the Child Care Planning Council in 2005. This plan identifies two Desired Outcomes, each with three specific goals.

Desired Outcome I: Caring communities will support high quality early care and education throughout Santa Barbara County.

Goal 1: The public will be informed about the importance of early care and education.

Goal 2: All entities participating in the care and education of children will be part of a coordinated integrated countywide system.

Goal 3: The community will support access to high quality affordable early care and education for all families.

Desired Outcomes II: There will be a high quality early care and education system throughout Santa Barbara County.

Goal 1: High quality early care and education programs will support the development of the whole child and strong nurturing families.

Goal 2: High quality early care and education programs will be staffed by a stable, well qualified and well compensated workforce.

Goal 3: High quality early care and education programs will utilize research-based practices.

The Strategic Plan included an implementation guide describing the strategies that stakeholders should undertake to help achieve the objective, goals and Desired Outcomes identified in the Plan.

Download A Call to Action for a summary of recommended community activities to help achieve the Desired Outcomes..

Return to top of page