In the fall of 1970, a parent cooperative - the University Children's Center - began on West Campus and served approximately 60 families. The Program evolved from relatively little affiliation with the University to its current status as an auxiliary program administered through the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. Milestones include: accreditation in 1990, renovation/expansion in 1991, a second site opened, with student support, at the Student Resource building in January of 2008 and both sites were re-accredited in 2012 and 2017. A generous donation, made in 2000 by Paul and Natalie Orfalea, supports the provision of high-quality care. The West Campus site, dedicated in memory of Paul Orfalea's parents was renamed 'The Orfalea Family Children's Center.' The main campus site carries forward the name of the University Children's Center.
Now providing high quality care and education to more than 300 children each year, in two beautiful settings, UCSB Early Childhood Care & Education Services has a long and dynamic past. We are proud of the strong reputation we have earned and grateful for the role we fill in supporting students, staff, faculty and community families with young children.
