Doll Room
Doll Room
THE OAKS
EDUCATING FAMILIES SINCE
1947
preschool in santa barbara
PLAY-BASED COOPERATIVE EDUCATION SINCE 1947
Looking for a preschool in Santa Barbara? For generations, families have found something special at The Oaks - a place to learn alongside their children, connect with other parents, and build friendships that last well beyond the schoolyard.
As a cooperative preschool and licensed daycare facility, we offer both half-day and full-day childcare options.
We are currently enrolling for Summer and Fall 2026
Schedule a tour today to take the next step
PARENT PARTICIPATION
Central to our program is the notion that parents are a child’s first teachers. Under the guidance of early childhood educators, Oaks parents work and learn how to be more effective parents, from each other and the children. Learn more about parent participation.
OUR PROGRAMS
Admission starts at age 2 years 6 months
(Age 2 for acorn program)
MORNING PROGRAM
Monday - Friday
8:45 AM to 12:00 PM
AFTERNOON PROGRAM
Monday - Friday
12:00 PM to 4:30 PM
NATURE-BASED SUMMER PROGRAM
Monday - Friday
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
MORNING PROGRAM
Our play-based program invites children to follow their curiosity.
On your workday, parents create engaging stations, and the children are free to choose what excites them. Mixed-age learning enables children to learn from and with one another, while our outdoor classroom provides ample space for movement, discovery, and joyful play.
ACORN PROGRAM
The Acorn Program is designed to welcome new families into our Morning Program. Children may enroll beginning at 2 years of age, provided a parent attends the full program with their child.
Acorn families may enroll up to five mornings per week. As members of our cooperative preschool community, parents must fulfill all parent participation and cooperative responsibilities while enrolled in the program.
SUMMER CAMP
Weekly sessions are offered for children ages 3-5 and are led by our Afternoon Program staff. The program supports a small group where children are invited to explore a variety of activities, including art, sensory exploration, music, movement, cooking, and science projects. Summer Camp is designed for children who are fully independent with toileting.
Parent participation is not required.
ENROLLMENT
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
WE'RE ENROLLING NOW!
To learn more about openings for Summer 2026 and beyond, please email our Membership Chair to schedule a tour at: membership@theoakspcw.org
