Welcome, Families
We are so glad you found your way to Early Care and Education (ECE), a space where families with kids under 8 can find an abundance of resources and support. We understand the unique challenges you face and we are here to help.
Affordable childcare is one of our top concerns, and we're thrilled to offer subsidized childcare through the Alternative Payment Program. Every child deserves access to the highest quality childcare and early education. Call us today and we can help point you to other helpful resources as well. Through the Inclusion Initiative, ECE is creating inclusive classrooms and environments that celebrate diversity and support all children. Our nationally accredited centers are play-based and currently enrolling new students.
Learn more by clicking on the frequently asked questions below.
My son had the opportunity to be in an inclusive classroom. It was one of the best experiences he had in preschool.
-Elena, Buellton
{mother of two}
Childcare Financial Support - FAQs
Early Care and Education Programs provide financial subsidies to pay for childcare in a location of the parent’s choice while the parent or parents are working, in school or in training, or seeking employment.
- What is the Alternative Payment Program (APP)?
- How do I know if I qualify for childcare financial support?
- What if I am an undocumented immigrant or not a citizen of the United States?
- How do I enroll in the Alternative Payment Program (APP)?
- Should I be concerned about my registration or confidential information being shared with other local/state/federal entities?
- What types of childcare providers are supported by APP?
- So APP can help me pay for childcare provided by a friend or family member (like grandparents)?
What is the Alternative Payment Program (APP)?
How do I know if I qualify for childcare financial support?
What if I am an undocumented immigrant or not a citizen of the United States?
How do I enroll in the Alternative Payment Program (APP)?
Should I be concerned about my registration or confidential information being shared with other local/state/federal entities?
What types of childcare providers are supported by APP?
So APP can help me pay for childcare provided by a friend or family member (like grandparents)?
I had heard through friends about getting help to pay for childcare but I was concerned about signing up being an undocumented immigrant. We finally did it. Now, both my wife and I can work and we can afford good childcare.
-Christian, Santa Maria
{father of three}
Other ECE Resources - FAQs
- How do I get more information about SBCEO’s nationally accredited centers?
- What is UPK or P3?
- What is an Inclusive Classroom?
- Can my child participate in an inclusion classroom?
- What system is being used to measure “quality childcare”?
- How can I get more involved in local childcare policy creation?
- How can I spread the word about an important program I know about that’s relevant to young children in SB county?
- I am a teen mom, are there specific resources for me?
- How can I get connected to other resources? (Tax Services, Medical Care, Food Assistance, Special Needs Assessments*)
How do I get more information about SBCEO’s nationally accredited centers?
What is UPK or P3?
What is an Inclusive Classroom?
Can my child participate in an inclusion classroom?
What system is being used to measure “quality childcare”?
How can I get more involved in local childcare policy creation?
How can I spread the word about an important program I know about that’s relevant to young children in SB county?
I am a teen mom, are there specific resources for me?
How can I get connected to other resources? (Tax Services, Medical Care, Food Assistance, Special Needs Assessments*)
We are here to help, give us a call!
Santa Barbara Office
(805) 964-4711 x 4458
Lompoc Office
(805) 735-2064
Santa Maria Office
(805) 352-0274
Contacts
Janelle Willis
Administrator
jwillis@sbceo.org
(805) 964-4710, ext. 4409
Artesia Carlon
Coordinator
acarlon@sbceo.org
(805) 735-2064, ext. 101
Jeanette Hatfield
Coordinator
ECE Programs & Support
jhatfield@sbceo.org
(805) 964-4710, ext. 4488
Elvia Bukal
Fiscal Services Manager
elvia@sbceo.org
(805) 964-4710, ext. 4457
Dyan Bomer
Senior Administrative Assistant
ece@sbceo.org
(805) 964-4710, ext. 4409
Offices
Hope Office
3970 La Colina Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93160
ece@sbceo.org
(805) 964-4711 x 4458
Lompoc Office
104 South C Street, Suites G and H
Lompoc, CA 93436
ecelompoc@sbceo.org
(805) 735-2064
Santa Maria Office
722 E. Main St., Suite 201
Santa Maria, CA 93454
appsupport@sbceo.org
(805) 352-0274