On-Campus Childcare and Family Resources for Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Lactation Program
The University of California recognizes the importance of and benefits of breastfeeding for both parents and their children. UC Santa Barbara's Lactation Support Program (LSP) is committed to supporting academic employees, staff, students, and visitors who need to express milk or wish to have a private place to breastfeed a child.
Children Grant
The Associated Students Community Affairs Board (AS CAB) and the Non-Traditional Students Center provide grants for additional care during midterms and finals to currently enrolled undergraduate students with dependents.
Grad Students Childcare Grant
This grant provides support for graduate students with children to encourage success in a graduate program. Approved graduate students with single-child households will receive an award of $300; graduate students with more than one child will receive $150 per additional child. Grants are limited to one award per graduate student per quarter; a maximum of 5 quarters is allowed during a student's academic tenure at UC Santa Barbara
Childcare and Family Resources Available to the Community
Children's Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County
The mission of Children’s Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County is to develop strong and healthy families by providing education, care, and resource systems to children, their parents, and caregivers, with a special emphasis on low income and under-represented children and families.
Children's Resource & Referral Website
First 5 Early Care & Education
First 5 Santa Barbara County supports young children by investing in programs that support the health and physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of local children and their families. First 5's mission is to help all children prepare for kindergarten by supporting families to be healthy and strong and by enhancing the availability of high quality child care and preschool.
First5 Santa Barbara County Website
Calm - Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse
"CALM’s Great Beginnings program serves families and caregivers with children aged 0 – 5 who are most at risk for abuse and neglect, with services aimed toward prevention and early intervention. Trained CALM professionals meet with at-risk parents of young children, even before babies are born." The care giving continues to after birth to create a supportive healing system for parents dealing with post-partum depression and onward as the children grow.
Calm4Kids Website
Family Service Agency
Children are taught to build positive relationship with each other through a mentorship program that fosters excellence in school and beyond. Additionally, the FSA hosts healthy relationship classes to enrich individuals communication skills, parenting classes, and home visits for infant and early childhood coaching.
Family Service Agency Website
SUN Bucks (child summer EBT)
SUN Bucks is a summer EBT that provides $120 — per eligible child — to assist with grocery costs during summer break. Most eligible children receive benefits automatically, however families who have not received it must manually apply. Families with children ages 0-22 who attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs (if income guidelines are met) can apply directly through their child's school or submit a Universal Benefits Application. To check your child's eligibility and learn more, go to
UCSB Children's Centers
The Orfalea Family Children's Center, located on West Campus, and the University Children's Center, located in the Student Resource Building, provide childcare for student, staff, and faculty families within the University community. Community families are also welcome.