Early Childhood Education
In the first five years of a child's life, critical connections are made in the brain that impact social and cognitive skills, and ultimately lifelong learning. Numerous scientific studies and economic analyses document the value of investing in the first five years to ensure that more infants, toddlers and preschoolers grow up eager to learn and ready for school. Visit our online magazine: Whole Child Action
Since the year 2000, the Orfalea Foundation has been committed to improving the life outcomes for young children through high quality early education. In Santa Barbara County, there are more than 170 early education centers in which thousands of young children spend 6-12 hours a day. These centers hold a key to the healthy development of our children.
The Orfalea Foundation aims to support children’s success in school and in life through an integrated strategy to invest in the following components of quality children’s centers:
- Teacher education,
- Environments, and
- Practices
Our current core investments in Santa Barbara County include:
Quality of CentersQuality of Centers
In California, 62 percent of children under 5 years of age spend at least part of their day in the care of someone other than their parents.
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Preschool Food & Healthy HabitsPreschool Food & Healthy Habits
The Orfalea Foundation is addressing the negative impacts of poor eating and inadequate physical activity among young children in Santa Barbara County.
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Outdoor ClassroomOutdoor Classroom
Every program of early care and education has an outdoor environment and some outdoor activities – but often not enough.
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Children’s Center Director’s RetreatChildren’s Center Director’s Retreat
The Orfalea Children’s Center Director’s Retreat is a unique program that supports increased quality in early childhood education.
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