LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner., a nonprofit that supports families in Santa Barbara County, recently celebrated the opening of a new Lompoc Children's Center at Trinity Church of the Nazarene.
LEAP will welcome students in 2025, providing needed childcare to the community. Currently, only 7% of children ages 0-2, and 62% of children ages 3-5 in Lompoc have access to licensed early childhood education spaces, according to the Lompoc Early Learning Project.
LEAP has invested nearly $800,000 in renovating the facility at Trinity Church, creating a state-of-the-art early childhood education center that will open up 58 childcare spaces for children ages 3 months to 5 years old in Lompoc.
The ribbon-cutting event included speeches from LEAP's executive director Lori Goodman; Trinity Church lead Pastor Travis Caldeira; Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joan Hartmann; Esmeralda Estrada from Rep. Salud Carbajal's office; Lompoc City Councilmember Jeremy Ball; and State Sen. Monique Limón.
"This partnership is a shining example of trust," Caldeira said. "This ceremony celebrates two organizations coming together to bless a community they both love."
"I am delighted to celebrate LEAP's momentous jump into Lompoc!" said Joan Hartmann, 3rd District Santa Barbara County supervisor. "We know that there are not nearly as many quality and accredited early childcare spaces in our county as there is demand for.
"A lack of quality and accessible childcare spaces has adverse impacts on working families, especially mothers. We also know that access to quality care greatly improves the lives of children.
"With this new facility, LEAP is helping to uplift Lompoc by bringing their amazing services to the residents here," she said.
The childcare center has three classrooms serving infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Designed with trauma-informed and evidence-based practices, the facility features playgrounds that prioritize safety and exploration.
LEAP said it prioritizes low adult-to-child ratios and provides engaging educational experiences. It supports dual language learners, and offers a comprehensive learning environment that goes beyond traditional childcare.
"This new center represents hope for Lompoc families," said Goodman. "This center is more than just a building, it's a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing high-quality, trauma-informed care that supports our community's young learners.
"We believe every child deserves an extraordinary start, and with this center, we're turning that belief into reality."
"This is a big day for children and families in Lompoc and Santa Barbara County," said Limón. "Currently, there is only space for seven percent of infants who need care in Lompoc. This new campus will help fill this gap in childcare and early education for countless families."