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.