Description
High quality and aligned early larning experiences beginning in preschool through second grade that include: 1) and effective learning environment, 2) an aligned academic program, 3) systematic and guided opportunities for developing social and emotional competence, and 4) a UCSB/Gevirtz Graduate School of Education Early Childhood Credential and Labaratory School at Harding.

Goal
Develop a strong academic and social/emotional foundation beginning in preschool by providing the highest quality early learning experiences possible.

Oscar Flores - Early Childhood Director

Since 2005, I have served in a variety of capacities at the Santa Barbara Public Library. Most recently, I served as the Youth Outreach and Teen Services Coordinator. Recently, the Library was awarded the 2010 Estela and Raul Mora Award by the American Library Association for exemplary execution of Dia de los Libros (Day of the Books), a children's festival that I started at the Central Library in 2009. In addition to my work with the City, I am an early literacy consultant. I develop and lead early literacy workshops aimed at motivating Spanish-speaking parents to play an active role in their child's early learning experiences.
I am also a full-time graduate student in the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education at UC Santa Barbara. I am currently pursuing a Masters in Education with a focus in Child and Adolescent Development. I will be engaging in research that will investigate early book reading experiences of 1st and 2nd generation Latino parents.
I currently write a biweekly column for the Spanish-language newspaper Santa Barbara Latino and serve on the Advisory Board of First 5 Santa Barbara County. I serve on the Executive Committee of United Way of Santa Barbara’s Young Leader Society. I am also an active volunteer for the Fighting Back Mentor Program, a project of the Santa Barbara Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. I graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2008 with a Bachelors Degree in Political Science. I earned a Certificate in Business Administration from Santa Barbara City College and hold a Nonprofit Development Officer Certificate from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
You can contact Mr. Flores at oflores@sbsdk12.org

State Preschool Program
The Harding State Preschool Program is a state-funded program that offers three preschool classes preparing approximately 60 children ages 3 ½ to 4 years old designed to assist 3.5 to 4- year old children to enter into kindergarten.  Children are provided with a variety of services for 3 hours daily August through June in either morning or afternoon classes.  Their nutritional needs are met with the serving of healthy meals and planned activities which teach good eating habits.  Our comprehensive curriculum offers children learning opportunities through active involvement with age-appropriate materials.  Staff supports the children’s performance by addressing issues of self-concept, attention to task, following directions, independence, creativity and successful interaction with others.  Attention is given to each child’s developmental level, and programs are designed to meet his/her individual growth.  The program focus includes English Language Development for all children. The classrooms also work in partnership with the Healthy Start Initiative and Health Linkages Initiative to bring the many potential community resources to the families enrolled.  The program is free to eligible low-income families.  Interested parents can obtain more information from Helen Santoyo at 899-4129.