First 5 Santa Barbara County

First 5 Santa Barbara County Helping Santa Barbara County's young children get ready for Kindergarten and life.

First 5 Santa Barbara County (First 5) was established in 1999 after California voters passed Proposition 10,a state constitutional amendment. Proposition 10 imposed a sales tax on to***co products and directed that those revenues be used to support early childhood development focusing on children prenatal through age five. A key driving force behind the passage of Proposition 10 was decades of ab

undant, consistent, and compelling scientific research into the development of the human brain proving that proper growth and development in the earliest years of life was the factor most affecting our children’s achievement in their education, health, and success in later life. Additionally, extensive research and longitudinal studies proved that specific evidence based strategies to support child development in the earliest years were highly effective and delivered an
exponential return on investment for society, taxpayers, and philanthropy. Each year, roughly $500 million in revenue is collected statewide as a result of Proposition 10, and by law, 80% of those funds are distributed proportionately to each of California’s 58 counties, based on each county’s annual birth rate. The law directed counties to establish independent public commissions to oversee
how Proposition 10 dollars are spent and to provide public oversight, accountability and reporting on the effectiveness of those expenditures. Since its founding in 1999, the Santa Barbara County First 5 Commission has distributed more than $60 million dollars to programs that support the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of local children and their families. This work has depended upon an influential group of partnering agencies, nonprofits, businesses, community organizations, philanthropic leaders, and individuals and experts from many fields and all walks of life. Much has been accomplished to serve children and families directly while also building and sustaining a stronger and more efficient and effective system of support for local children prenatal through age five and their families.

Congratulations to our very own Wendy Sims-Moten on her appointment to the Senate's Early Childhood Policy Council! 🎉In ...
06/11/2026

Congratulations to our very own Wendy Sims-Moten on her appointment to the Senate's Early Childhood Policy Council! 🎉

In this role, Wendy will help elevate the needs of young children and their families by advising the Governor, Legislature, and Superintendent of Public Instruction on statewide early learning, care, and child development policies.

We’re also proud to share that Wendy joins Catherine Brozowski, Executive Director of the Audacious Foundation, as one of this year’s appointees, further increasing representation for Santa Barbara County and the Central Coast.

Please join us in congratulating Wendy and Catherine on this well-deserved appointment and their continued leadership on behalf of children and families across California! 🥳
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¡Felicidades a nuestra querida Wendy Sims-Moten por su nombramiento en el Consejo de Políticas de la Primera Infancia del Senado! 🎉

En este cargo, Wendy contribuirá a dar mayor visibilidad a las necesidades de los niños pequeños y sus familias, asesorando al gobernador, a la legislatura y al superintendente de Instrucción Pública sobre las políticas estatales de aprendizaje temprano, cuidado y desarrollo infantil.

También nos enorgullece compartir que Wendy se une a Catherine Brozowski, directora ejecutiva de la Fundación Audacious, como una de las personas designadas este año, lo que aumenta aún más la representación del condado de Santa Bárbara y la Costa Central.

¡Únanse a nosotros para felicitar a Wendy y Catherine por este merecido nombramiento y por su continuo liderazgo en nombre de los niños y las familias de toda California! 🥳

06/04/2026

Distractions aren't new, but today's apps are uniquely engineered to capture our attention for as long as possible and pull us away from those right in front of us.

That was the topic at this year’s Ed Talk with researcher, Dr. Alison K. Ventura, “Brexting, Binge-Watching, and Beyond: How Parent Digital Media Use Shapes Early Parenting and Relationships”.

One of the highlights was on technoference and how smartphone absorption during crucial moments such as meals, play, and bedtime can impact a child's emotional regulation and language development.

Children learn they matter through "serve and return" interactions, especially facial cues. When we pause the scroll to return a baby’s babble or a toddler's question, we are actively shaping their brain architecture.

So here’s your challenge for this week: Try establishing one completely device-free routine (like lunchtime or park play). Your emails can wait, but those early interactions can't.

Helping children develop motor skills doesn't require special equipment, just everyday play! 🛝Whether you're indoors or ...
05/28/2026

Helping children develop motor skills doesn't require special equipment, just everyday play! 🛝Whether you're indoors or outside, simple activities can strengthen their bodies, boost coordination, and spark creativity. Swipe to read our tips.


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Ayudar a los niños a desarrollar sus habilidades motoras no requiere ningún equipo especial, ¡solo juegos cotidianos! 🛝Ya sea en interiores o al aire libre, las actividades sencillas pueden fortalecer sus cuerpos, mejorar su coordinación y despertar su creatividad. Desliza para leer nuestros consejos.

📢 Co-Sponsorships are now open! Event and Activity applications close June 30, 2026 at 5PM; Trainings and Conference app...
05/22/2026

📢 Co-Sponsorships are now open! Event and Activity applications close June 30, 2026 at 5PM; Trainings and Conference applications open through May 1, 2027.

Congratulations to our Spring 2025 recipients: MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation (pictured), PEP: Postpartum Education for Parents, Explore Ecology and the Santa Barbara Breastfeeding Coalition! 💙

NEW FOR FALL 2026: We are excited to offer two types of co-sponsorships! See details in post.

Visit the link below to read the guidelines and apply.
https://www.countyofsb.org/1067/Co-Sponsorships

📸: @ moxisb
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📢 ¡Ya están abiertas las solicitudes de copatrocinio! El plazo de solicitud para eventos y actividades cierra el 30 de junio de 2026 a las 5:00 p. m.; el plazo para capacitaciones y conferencias permanece abierto hasta el 1 de mayo de 2027.

¡Felicidades a nuestros beneficiarios de la primavera de 2025: MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation (en la foto), PEP: Postpartum Education for Parents, Explore Ecology y la Coalición de Lactancia Materna de Santa Bárbara! 💙

NUEVO PARA EL OTOÑO DE 2026: ¡Nos complace ofrecer dos tipos de copatrocinios! Consulte los detalles en la publicación.

Visite el enlace para leer las directrices y presentar su solicitud.
https://www.countyofsb.org/1067/Co-Sponsorships

Together, we helped build stronger starts for 215+ children and families across our community. Thank you to all who show...
05/19/2026

Together, we helped build stronger starts for 215+ children and families across our community. Thank you to all who showed up and made a difference! 🌻

💛 For more info about building resilient kids from the earliest years, visit first5california.strongerstarts.com
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Juntos, hemos ayudado a que más de 215 niños y familias de nuestra comunidad tengan un comienzo más sólido. ¡Gracias a todos los que asistieron y marcaron la diferencia! 🌻

💛 Para obtener más información sobre cómo formar niños resilientes desde los primeros años, visita http://first5california.strongerstarts.com/

05/10/2026

To all the moms working round the clock (literally!). We see you! Thank you for all you do🙏🏼 Happy Mother’s Day!
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Para todas las mamás que trabajan las 24 horas (¡literalmente!). ¡Las vemos! Gracias por todo lo que hacen. 🙏🏼 ¡Feliz Día de la Madre!

A seed needs good soil and water to grow strong. In the same way, your child needs safe, loving places and relationships...
05/06/2026

A seed needs good soil and water to grow strong. In the same way, your child needs safe, loving places and relationships to help them manage hard times. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Come to the Stronger Starts Day of Action in Santa Barbara County and learn more about supporting your child's feelings. Plus, your family can decorate a pot, then take it home to plant a sunflower and watch it grow. 🌱

Join our partners for this fun activity in North or South County:

🌻Children’s Resource & Referral Discovery Museum
705 S McClelland St., Santa Maria, CA 93454
May 9th, 10 a.m. until flower planting supplies run out

🌻MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
125 State St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
May 9th, 10 a.m. until flower planting supplies run out

*Note: Museum admission is required.



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Una semilla necesita buena tierra y agua para crecer fuerte. Del mismo modo, tu hijo necesita entornos y relaciones seguras y afectuosas que le ayuden a afrontar los momentos difíciles. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Ven al Día de Acción Mejores Comienzos en el condado de Santa Bárbara y descubre cómo apoyar a tu hijo con sus emociones. Además, su familia puede decorar una maceta, llevársela a casa para plantar un girasol y ver cómo crece. 🌱

Únase a nuestros socios para esta divertida actividad en el norte o el sur del condado:

🌻Children's Resource & Referral Discovery Museum
705 S McClelland St., Santa María, CA 93454
9 de mayo, desde las 10 a. m. hasta que se agoten los materiales para plantar flores

🌻MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
125 State St., Santa Bárbara, CA 93101
9 de mayo, desde las 10 a. m. hasta que se agoten los materiales para plantar flores

*Nota: Se requiere entrada al museo.

*update: Applications are now closed.📢⏰ Last call — First 5 SBC's Children and Families Commission is seeking an alterna...
04/27/2026

*update: Applications are now closed.

📢⏰ Last call — First 5 SBC's Children and Families Commission is seeking an alternate member to serve from July 2026 through June 2028. Commissioners...

• Set policies and ensure financial stability for First 5 SBC.
• Provide accountability to the broader community.
• Review, revise, and monitor the implementation of the Strategic Plan, including budgeting and fund allocation.
• Supervise and evaluate the Executive Director.

Sound like something you want to get involved in? Apply by April 30th at the link in our bio.

More information about the Commission can be found on our website, first5sbc.org
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📢⏰ Última llamada - La Comisión de Niños y Familias de First 5 SBC está buscando un miembro alterno para ejercer desde julio de 2026 hasta junio de 2028. Los comisionados...

- Establecen políticas y aseguran la estabilidad financiera de First 5 SBC.
- Rínden cuentas a la comunidad en general.
- Examinan, revisan y supervisan la implementación del Plan Estratégico, incluyendo el presupuesto y la asignación de fondos.
- Supervisan y evalúan a la Directora Ejecutiva.

¿Suena como algo en lo que quieres participar? Presente su solicitud antes del 30 de abril en el enlace de nuestra biografía.

Para más información sobre la Comisión, visita nuestra página web, first5sbc.org

Behind every home visit is a story worth telling. 💜A home visitor who shows up, listens, and meets a family where they a...
04/24/2026

Behind every home visit is a story worth telling. 💜

A home visitor who shows up, listens, and meets a family where they are.
A parent growing more confident each day.
A moment where support arrives exactly when it’s needed most.

This week, we’re sharing the stories of our Home Visitors: what drives them, and the ways they give back through their work.

Because home visiting isn’t just about services, it’s about relationships.
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Detrás de cada visita domiciliaria hay una historia que merece la pena contar. 💜

Un visitante domiciliario que acude, escucha y acompaña a la familia en su situación actual.
Un padre o una madre que adquiere cada día más confianza.
Un momento en el que el apoyo llega justo cuando más se necesita.

Esta semana, compartimos las historias de nuestros visitantes domiciliarios: qué les motiva y cómo contribuyen a la comunidad a través de su trabajo.

Porque las visitas domiciliarias no se tratan solo de servicios, sino también de relaciones.

Address

5385 Hollister Avenue , Bldg 10
Santa Barbara, CA
93111

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18058038740

Website

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