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Storyteller Children’s Center was established in 1988, after a concerned and dedicated group of women noticed an increasing number of homeless families living on the streets of Santa Barbara. The families had no safe or reliable place for their young children to go while they worked, making their already desperate situations worse.
In the beginning, resources were scarce. Storyteller borrowed a dormitory and kitchen area of the old Transition House to run a half-day preschool program. Each day, the Storyteller teachers had to use a movable fence to create a small play area for the children and they had to return all supplies, toys and learning materials to a storage shed. But the children thrived, and it was clear Storyteller was beginning to make a difference in their lives.
By 1991, Storyteller established its own non-profit status and was accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and was awarded re-accreditation in 2005. Accreditation represents the achievement of the highest quality standards by early childhood programs. Awarded for standards of excellence, this prestigious recognition has been achieved by less than 10% of childcare centers nationwide.
In 1992, the First Congregational Church on State Street offered its multi-purpose room to the preschool free of charge. For eight years, Storyteller operated in the room, and for the first time had a long-term and stable home. During this time, Storyteller was able to raise enough money to stabilize its budget and plan for the future.
In May 2000, Storyteller moved to its current home, the old parsonage across the parking lot from the church. Although the house was not rent-free, the church offered generous lease terms and a capital campaign raised enough funds for the necessary remodeling. The children and their families could now feel safe and secure in a warm, homey atmosphere. The house was large enough to almost double the number of children enrolled, from 24 to 42, which at the time relieved the pressure on the long waiting list. Unfortunately, the wait list again has grown, with as many as 80 children waiting for a spot at any one time. |
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