Through the creation of programs and initiatives to support school readiness, literacy remediation, and student success, United Way has worked closely with school districts and educators to provide the tools and resources children and families need to create a foundation for future success. 

As needed, United Way also utilizes program staff and infrastructure to address pressing and emergency community needs on behalf of children and students throughout the region. As the COVID-19 pandemic closed many care centers and facilities, many essential workers and first responders were left without options for reliable, quality childcare. In response, United Way launched the  Emergency Child Care Initiative (ECCI). Established in March of 2020, United Way worked in tandem with the Natalie Orfalea Foundation, the Audacious Foundation, and Lou Buglioli to develop the program in response to the urgent need for quality, safe childcare facilities to serve frontline and essential workers in the early days of the COIVD-19 pandemic.

The ECCI successfully connected private sector employers, childcare experts and support agencies, and philanthropic and municipal funders to deliver an efficient, adaptable program model that quickly expanded access for local families to quality, reliable childcare. 

In addition to United Way's work in emergency childcare, the organization also operates early learning and bridge programming for children and students throughout the county. These programs include: 

Fun in the Sun - Summer Learning Program 

United Learning Center 

Early Learning Success Institutes 

Between each of these programs, in addition to the complete spectrum of the organization’s academic programming, United Way has served thousands of children and families throughout the County of Santa Barbara, providing the tools and resources they need to succeed at home and at school.

In response to United Way’s success in expanding infant and toddler childcare for emergency and essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization has been commissioned to facilitate numerous assessments to better understand the challenges and opportunities of the childcare sector in the region.

In partnership with consultants, United Way program staff collected data from childcare industry specialists, local childcare providers, employers, school districts, and local families through surveys, interviews, and focus groups. In 2024, United Way expanded its survey countywide in partnership with the County of Santa Barbara.  Findings from this research can be found in the reports below:

Countywide Childcare Needs & Assets Assessment (2024) 

United Way of Santa Barbara County & Maria Chesley Consulting 

Made possible by American Rescue Plan Act funds, this assessment provides a deeper understanding of the local childcare sector, specifically on children from birth to five years. This report highlights regional differences in needs and resources, and offers recommendations on how to expand parent access, increase the number of childcare spaces, support providers and employers, and ultimately sustain and grow the childcare sector. United Way of Santa Barbara County is implementing these recommendations through its Brighter Futures Childcare Initiative.

Cities of Santa Barbara & Goleta Child Care Report (2022)

United Way of Santa Barbara County & Maria Chesley Consulting 

This study aimed to understand the challenges and opportunities of the childcare system serving children before they enter kindergarten. Through the perspectives of 623 local parents, employers, and childcare provider, the report revealed the ways that the current system is inadequate for both families and providers. This data-informed recommendations for a comprehensive childcare plan, which is also outlined in this report.

Child Care Sector Survey Results and Recommendation Report 

First 5, County of Santa Barbara

COVID, wildlife, economic uncertainty, and persistent racial injustices have repercussions for the County’s youngest citizens, even if these impacts are not yet known. With findings from local families, childcare providers, employers, and eligibility workers, this report provides data-driven recommendations for elected officials to allocate $2 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to direct relief and recovery efforts within the childcare sector.

1. Brighter Futures Childcare Scholarship Fund

In partnership with licensed childcare providers, workplaces, and local agencies, United Way established a scholarship program to ease the burden of childcare costs on households that fall outside the limits of federal support programs. Affordability of quality childcare remains a barrier for many families, including those whose income falls above the income eligibility for public assistance.

United Way’s recent study revealed that families in Santa Barbara County spend up to 37% of their income on childcare. The scholarship fund aims to bring families’ childcare costs down to 15%. In relieving some of the cost burden of childcare, families can establish a more secure, resilient financial future. 

2. Employer-Sponsored Childcare

Through this fund, United Way partners with local employers to increase their capacity to support the childcare needs of their employees:

• Start-Up Grants
  • A Start-Up Grant provides financial assistance for employers creating or expanding sponsored childcare spaces in Santa Barbara County. This funding can only be used for infant and toddler space expansion or creation. Funding the initial start-up costs to create and expand childcare facilities will increase the number of childcare spaces available in Santa Barbara County. With flexible support, local employers can better support the needs of working families by building on existing infrastructure.
• Technical Assistance
  • For employers providing childcare to their employees, a Technical Assistance grant provides training and technical assistance to employer-sponsored childcare facilities.

For questions about the fund or to apply for the Employer-Sponsored Childcare Start-Up Grant, please contact United Way at childcare@unitedwaysb.org. 

In facilitating the initial childcare assessment and in its history in childcare, United Way maintains key relationships with qualified consultants and representatives from local municipalities, childcare industry experts, and providers and parents who are experiencing the realities of the current childcare system. This network continues to offer diverse and impactful input as United Way leads new initiatives in the childcare space.

In 2023, United Way launched the Brighter Futures Childcare Initiative: a county-wide, cross-sector effort to improve access to high-quality childcare for parents from all economic backgrounds while generating innovative solutions that will support new and existing childcare centers with sustainable expansion. The Coalition meets quarterly to provide insight and feedback used to direct United Way's work within the sector.  

2023/2024 Brighter Futures Childcare Coalition 

To learn more about the Brighter Futures Childcare Initiative and how to get involved, please contact Julianna Joss at jjoss@unitedwaysb.org.

With the goal of increasing expertise in the childcare sector, United Way has committed to funding business training for childcare providers. Through this training, United Way aims to empower childcare providers to run their businesses effectively and sustainably. The training will cover skills related to program design, marketing, enrollment, staffing, and other core competencies, specific to the childcare industry.

A formal request for proposals will be available soon, but if your organization is interested in providing this training, please contact United Way at childcare@unitedwaysb.org. 

In collaboration with the Office of Emergency Management, United Way has expanded its network of providers, corporate partners, and specialists to create an emergency action plan to support first responders and essential workers with quality childcare options in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. 

In addition, available funds will also provide training and technical assistance to prepare childcare providers for disasters or emergencies. In ensuring childcare providers are best prepared for these unexpected events, facilities can still serve children and families with quality childcare. Increased capacity in the childcare sector will support a stronger, overall community response when emergencies arise.

Press

April 27, 2022 Childcare access, affordability | United Way expresses concerns during presentation before Santa Barbara City Council (Santa Barbara News-Press)

April 27, 2022 United Way to highlight childcare needs during Santa Barbara City Council meeting (KEYT)