Storyteller Children's Center

Founded in 1988, Storyteller Children’s Center provides quality tuition-free early childhood education for homeless and at-risk children, ages 18 months through five years, as well as comprehensive support services for their families.

In addition to its excellent preschool program, Storyteller helps families in crisis achieve stability. Parents are required to work or attend school while their children are enrolled. Children receive nutritious meals, medical screenings, and therapy if needed for developmental delays. On-site counseling, parent education classes, and referral services are offered.

Many of our families are poor. They are homeless, living in shelters, cars, or other substandard, crowded conditions. Domestic violence and substance abuse are common. Nearly 70 percent are single-parent households. Many of the children have significant special needs, such as emotional disturbances, delayed speech, and health troubles – problems that, if untreated, would only worsen over time.

As the cost of living in Santa Barbara rises, poverty and homelessness are projected to increase. The need for programs like Storyteller’s is dire. Currently, for every child enrolled in the Storyteller program, another must be placed on our waiting list. It is only with the support of our community that Storyteller can continue to positively impact the lives of our most vulnerable children.