The Oaks was established in 1947. Originally known as the Hoff Heights Community Nursery School, it started when the Hoff Army Hospital Buildings (now the Santa Barbara City Golf Club course) were being used as emergency housing for WWII veterans, Santa Barbara College students and faculty.
Twelve families, realizing the need for constructive play for their children, persuaded the County Housing Authority to let them use the former Officer's Recreation Hall for a nursery school.Within a few months, the Adult Education Department of Santa Barbara College accepted the nursery school as the first parent-child workshop in Santa Barbara.
Twelve families, realizing the need for constructive play for their children, persuaded the County Housing Authority to let them use the former Officer's Recreation Hall for a nursery school.Within a few months, the Adult Education Department of Santa Barbara College accepted the nursery school as the first parent-child workshop in Santa Barbara.
Services
Theresa was born and raised in Santa Barbara. For the twelve years prior to joining the Oaks, she worked with The Outdoor Classroom Project in Santa Barbara County and nation-wide, delivering workshops and trainings to increase the quality, quantity, and benefits of outdoor learning experiences for young children.
The Oaks is a play-based cooperative preschool. Enrollment in both the morning preschool program and the evening parent education classes are on a first come, first serve basis. The Oaks is a nonsectarian, nonpartisan, interracial group that welcomes diversity. Community members are welcome to participate in the evening class independent of having a child enrolled in the morning program.
The morning program is available for children between the ages of 2-1/2 to 5. We offer a wide assortment of experiences every day, including but not limited to: art activities, natural science, sensory exploration, carpentry, dramatic play, music, animal care, fine motor activities, pre-literacy and cooking.
Our afternoon program runs in complement to our morning program to provide seamless, full-day care for families in our warm and nurturing environment. The afternoon program supports a smaller group of children (up to twelve children who are developmentally ready for a higher level of independence), accompanied by a head teacher and assistant teacher.
These classes provide parents the opportunity to learn new parenting skills, deepen their understanding of child development, and connect socially with other adults. The evening classes address issues and concerns common to families with young children. Parents are welcome to come early to gather with committee members, schedule a conference with the director, to enjoy a snack, and visit with the community before class begins.
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