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Build Strong & Healthy Families Through Your Career

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Our Leadership Approach

At Children's Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County, we embrace a leadership philosophy that recognizes the inherent value and potential within each team member. Our strength-based and person-centered leadership goes beyond managing tasks—it's about nurturing and empowering people. We believe in creating an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and inspired to contribute their unique talents.

Our measure of success lies in cultivating ownership, initiative, and collective achievement. By igniting the spark within others, we empower them to grow professionally and personally, creating a positive ripple effect throughout our organization and community.

Why Work With Us

Working with the Children's Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County means joining a dedicated team with over 50 years of experience developing strong, healthy families through education, care, and comprehensive resource systems. Your work will directly impact the lives of underrepresented children and families, helping ensure all children have access to high-quality, safe, nurturing environments that build foundations for lifelong learning.

Benefits Include:

Dental Insurance
Health insurance
Life insurance
Vision insurance
Flexible spending account
Paid time off
Parental leave
Professional development assistance
Referral program
Retirement plan

Our Mission & Vision

Our mission is to develop strong and healthy families by providing education, care and resource systems to children, their parents and caregivers, with a special emphasis on low-income and under-represented children and families.

Our vision is that all children will have access to high-quality, safe, nurturing and inclusive environments that build a foundation for life-long learning.

In Their Own Words

Read real-life stories from CRR team members about their experiences and journeys.
  • "Since the day I joined CRR 19 years ago, I have felt truly welcomed, valued, and empowered to grow—both professionally and personally. What continues to stand out the most is the genuine care and respect we show for one another. It’s not just about completing tasks or meeting goals—it’s about lifting each other up and walking through life’s challenges together.

    After the heartbreaking loss of my son, every morning became an emotional hurdle. But the unwavering support from the leadership team has meant more to me than words can express. The mural created in his memory, featuring his quote—“You can choose to stay in the storm or follow the rainbow”—has touched me deeply. Each day, as I walk through those doors and see that beautiful tribute, I’m reminded of his spirit and the strength you’ve helped me rediscover. It brings a smile to my face and a reminder to say, You got this, Rosa.

    To work in a place where you’re not only supported professionally but also held close in times of personal grief—it doesn’t feel like a job. It feels like family.

    CRR has given me the chance to do meaningful work, grow new skills, and be part of a team that genuinely makes a difference. The leadership’s dedication to transparency, inclusivity, and innovation continues to inspire me. I’m proud to be part of an organization that values its people and encourages each of us to be the best versions of ourselves.

    Thank you, from the bottom of my heart."
  • "Children's Resource & Referral is a fun place to work. The leadership team cares for their employees and makes the work better for us. Applying to work at CRR was the best decision that I made."
  • "As I reflect on my first year with this incredible nonprofit, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a compassionate and purpose-driven organization. It’s been a year of growth, learning, and meaningful connection.

    Serving as the receptionist has allowed me to welcome families, staff, and visitors with warmth and care, something I take great pride in. I’m truly thankful for the amazing team I work alongside and the supportive environment we share.

    I look forward to continuing to contribute to our mission and the positive impact we make."
  • "My experience working at CRR has truly been life-changing. Since joining the organization, I’ve grown in both my professional and personal life. At CRR, I feel seen, valued, and heard—a true sense of belonging that’s hard to find. I’m not just an employee here; I’m a whole person with responsibilities outside of work, and CRR honors that by creating space for balance and well-being.

    What I didn’t expect was the deep healing journey I would embark on—one that began through professional growth trainings and has overflowed into my personal life. This ripple effect of growth has impacted how I show up not just at work, but in every area of my life.

    Working at CRR isn’t just a job. It’s a place of purpose, service, and connection. It’s a community that fosters growth and feels like family."
  • "Being a part of the CRR Family has been such a blessing. I feel encouraged, appreciated, and empowered by my leadership and team. I am not just a number on a list of employees, I feel valued. I love being able to help my community in an environment I enjoy. CRR has created an amazing workplace for me that allows me to best serve the children and families in our community."
  • "CRR has been a meaningful part of my journey—I’ve worked here twice, and each time has deepened my belief in our mission. I love helping people and being part of a team that truly cares. Supporting foster families with comfort items and assisting families with childcare needs is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a place where you can truly make a difference."
  • "My journey with Children's Resource and Referral began back in 2010, when I was asked to join the CRR Board of Directors by my very close friend, Michelle Graham, CEO of Children's Resource and Referral. At that time, I was working as a Childcare Director for a Private Christian School serving children Kinder-8th grade. I was very excited to join and support the vision of CRR for our community.

    My field of Early Childhood Education began when I was 5yrs as I would help my mom in her Pre-K classroom. She guided me into her footsteps of being a Preschool Teacher from such an early age as I took ECE classes from AHC and started my career as a Pre-K teacher working with Michelle as she also was a Preschool Teacher.

    As both of our lives went into different directions throughout the years, as we've known each other since 1998, we still remained close friends connecting with each other on our lives highs and lows, so when she approached me to join the CRR Board of Directors, I knew it was what I wanted and needed to do, for myself and for this wonderful agency that I could see a bright future ahead!

    As the years moved forward, I became the Board President and CRR was growing, as this growth was taking place, I felt the need to change my career and so the opportunity presented itself that I could work for the agency I've been so a part of these past years. In November 2016, I became a Quality Coach, supporting families who were seasoned Providers with years of experience to newly Licensed Providers seeking a Higher Quality Learning Environment for their programs.

    Since I joined the team, I've seen our agency blossom with an amazing COO joining our Team, Jacqui Banta, who with Michelle has taken our Agency to new heights with New Programs, moving twice as we grew in staff and creating our newest Program, WINGS Preschool which was established in May 2023.

    I'm excited to see the future of our Agency as I'm looking out my window to see a beautiful area being created daily for our baby WINGS, our Infant & Toddler Center. So many "Wows" to celebrate and looking forward to celebrating them all!"

Current Openings

WINGS Infant Teacher
Santa Maria, CA 93454
  • Full-time
  • $21- $24 per hour
Family Services Case Worker (Bilingual)
Santa Maria, CA 93454
  • Full-time
  • $21 - $24 per hour

Current Openings

While we don't have any open positions at the moment, we're always interested in connecting with talented individuals. If you'd like us to keep your resume on file for future opportunities, please fill out the form below. We'll reach out when a position matching your skills becomes available.

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Awards & Certifications

Children’s Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization.
Funded by the California Department of Social Services Child Care and Development Division and through local grants.
Children’s Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law.
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