Santa Barbara Public Library partners with Women’s Economic Ventures to provide business classes for childcare providers

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Santa Barbara county is adding new support for some parents and caregivers.

Childcare providers now have the ability to take business classes for free, thanks to a partnership between the Santa Barbara public library and women’s economic ventures.

As a mom and the Learning Solutions Manager at WEV, Ashley Goldstein views childcare as a gender equity and economic justice issue.”

Ashley Goldstein, Learning Solutions Manager, WEV

“We believe that families need to work and they can't work if they don't have access to child care. So it's an issue here in the county,” said Goldstein. 

One solution is a new series of classes in both english and Spanish, aiming to help caregivers interested in starting their own childcare business.

“When we provide the skill set so they can really run a successful business and that can be kind of in the background of all the really cool child development things that they might be doing with the kids. That's what what those child care providers need,” said Elizabeth Gonzalez, Senior Librarian for Youth Services.

The series offers a five-week, free virtual learning opportunities on topics related to starting a childcare business.

That includes licensing, marketing, budgeting, and creating a business plan.

“I mean, at the end of the program, they walk away with a business plan that they can use to put into place,” said Goldstein. 

The class is called “Managing Your Own Childcare Business”.

It will be held virtually on Mondays this month from 6-8 pm starting September 12th.