About Us

The San Marcos Parent-Child workshop (SMPCW) is a non-profit 501(c)3, licensed, cooperative preschool and parent education class. The lecture/lab instructor is provided by the Continuing Education division of Santa Barbara Community College.

San Marcos Parent-Child Workshop opened on the San Marcos High School campus in 1959 and relocated to the Grace Gathering campus in 2016. 

It is operated by parents under the supervision of a Director and Assistant Director educated in Early Childhood Education and Parent Education. Parents enrolled in the co-operative morning program participate actively one morning a week in the preschool setting. Parents also attend a weekly evening parent education class at the school, where a variety of parenting issues are discussed and speakers from the community share their expertise.

Children between the ages of 2.5 - 5 years are introduced to a quality preschool experience, using developmentally appropriate practices. The nurturing, loving environment makes an ideal first school experience for your child and brings out the best in you as a parent. We practice gentle separation for both parent and child and promote non-violent conflict resolution. We provide a natural classroom setting with a wholesome, organic snack.

The afternoon play-based care program offers the cooperative parent as well as all community families an opportunity for all-day child care in an enriching, safe, and stimulating environment. 

Day-to-day operations are the responsibility of the members. All preschool families are required to participate actively within the co-op administering day-to-day operations through work on school Committees. Members may choose to participate in the way that best suits their talents.  

The management of the school is the responsibility of a Board of Directors, elected from the parents of the school.

We are very proud of our long history spanning over 60 years serving the families of Goleta and Santa Barbara.

Children busy and delighted in outdoor exploration... shadow tag, rope climbing, bug identification, hammering nails into wood. Enter inside and hear youth conversations over a nest display, stacking tall towers, and writing practice at tables with paperpads.

It’s a special place for learning and living, both for big and small.
— Sarah Avila-Battle
Delighted with how my kids WANT to go to school and are recieved with so much warmth, as if part of the family, from both the teachers and other parents.
— Chail Norton
Loved, loved, loved SMPCW - was fantastic for our daughters and for us as parents. So much richer an expereince than paying and dropping off.
— Paula Cassin