San Marcos Parent Child Workshop - Santa Barbara, California

Elysia M.

I have 2 kids who are currently enrolled at San Marcos Parent Child Workshop and they are both flourishing. My 4.5 year old started 2 years ago and her confidence, independence, and social-emotional skills have sky rocketed. My 3 year old started speech therapy when he was 1.5 since he was delayed for his age. He started SMPCW last year and his speech therapists have been able to do sessions with him at the school. He had his last evaluation on his 3rd birthday and is advanced in all categories and won't need to continue services.

SMPCW supports my kids but also supports and encourages me. I was really struggling as a stay at home parent. I felt alone and in over my head. Once I found this school I started to have hope again. I made friends who accepted me and understood me. I have learned so much about being an amazing parent at this school. I feel so lucky to be a part of this community.

Trust me when I say there is something special and different about SMPCW. Teacher Suzy, Teacher Amanda, and Teacher Krista have created a space that is unlike any other.

Nadia M.

I cannot speak highly enough about our experience at this preschool. Both my son, who is an alumni, and my daughter, who is currently attending, have thrived in this nurturing environment. It’s not just a school – it’s a second family. The teachers are exceptional, creating a warm and engaging atmosphere. We not only met most of our best friends there, but the program also made me enjoy motherhood even more. With the convenience of always available parking, our overall experience has been nothing short of wonderful. I wholeheartedly recommend this preschool to any parents seeking a caring and enriching place for their children.

Meg K.

My two children attended SMPCW, and entered kindergarten well-prepared for school - not just academically, but confident, social and excited to learn. But they weren't the only ones who grew - I learned more about how my children experience the world and how to be a better parent than I ever imagined. Watching my children blossom at SMPCW was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I also found endless support and resources from the close-knit community. My only complaint is that we couldn't stay forever!

Celeste K.

We love SMPCW! Our sons are always happy at school. The teachers are amazing and the variety of activities every day is exceptional. We have also found our community at SMPCW - being part of co-op requires work, but our family has gotten so much out of the experience. We've made many friends, enjoyed camping and potlucks together... It is a warm and welcoming place!

CLAUDIA J.

I've participated in SB area preschool co-ops since my 16 yr old was in preschool. SMPCW has been the best experience by far. I appreciate the diversity and the focus on inclusion at this preschool. I've met families from all over the world, we learn and sing songs in our native tongues, and we celebrate important cultural traditions. The leadership is always receptive to feedback and as parent participants, we have the ability and support to bring about change if needed to make the preschool even better. I also appreciate the school snack system, the preschool's willingness to include working families through partial participation options, and the friendship and camaraderie we experience as part of a co-op community.

Lellani W.

This Cooperative Preschool is literally the best school that has come into our families lives! I considered a cooperative preschool for my son and wish I would have gone on a tour of San Marcos years ago. The teachers are fantastic. So caring, loving and focus on the social-emotional growth of children. For example, working through conflicts in a healthy positive way, identifying feelings, speaking up for yourself and checking in with each other to increase awareness and empathy. I appreciate that teachers listen to my concerns and work with the children to solve social issues that may come up. Because this is a cooperative school, I know exactly what my child's day and routine is like and how the teachers interact with my child. As parents, we have really benefited from the education and open communication with the teachers/directors; seeking advice on family dynamics or situations. The parenting techniques we have learned has helped us with our older child as well! It has made us more conscious parents; being more deliberate and aware of our parenting choices. I have made great friends with many other families and my children have really benefitted from the social bonds she has made. I love their new location with a large outdoor space located in a very private neighborhood. San Marcos preschool community has been exactly what I didn't know my family needed. My only regret is not being apart of this supportive community sooner.

Katharina H.

We have loved our experience at this preschool. Not only have the teachers helped our son thrive, they have helped us become better parents and find a true community of wonderful families.

Autumn F.

We love this school/community and wouldn't send our kids anywhere else! Our son went here and our daughter will start her third year here this fall. We started out this school year at another more conventional preschool for convenience sake, and came running back to SMPCW one month in! Here, kids can climb trees as high as they are comfortable, ride a zip line, play barefoot as they please, make recipes with parents and teachers, care for the beloved Guinea Pigs, create art freely (no "arts and crafts" where they mindlessly copy the teacher's example project), participate in movement and music, and most importantly, develop those crucial social/emotional skills that are the FOUNDATION for success in every area of life! My daughter feels SAFE, SECURE, and LOVED here. Teachers use (and teach parents to use!) a "Whole Brain Child" approach. Positive Discipline is practiced. Boundaries and expectations are set and the children know what the expectation is for behavior. Children are never shamed for their behavior, but gently and firmly guided. Children thrive with this consistency! The school is quite diverse, with many International families from countries like China, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Iran, and more! The Director speaks several languages and the children learn songs in Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Farsi, and more. Parents learn PRACTICAL ways to deal with behaviors and learn healthy parenting philosophy and so much more at the parent meetings. The Co-op becomes your village - once you're here, you don't have to do this parenting thing on your own anymore. I cannot recommend this school enough.