Columbia Children's Center

Columbia Children's Center offers programs that are built around communication, safety, and early learning. The program includes small-group learning with experienced teachers in bright, child-focused classrooms, with communication between parents and teachers as a central part of the day. Families can choose flexible half-day and full-day schedules in most programs, with year-round care available for working families.

• Ages: 18 months–5 years old
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., with flexible half-day and full-day options in most programs

Columbia Children's Center has been locally owned since 1992 and has served Santa Maria families for more than 30 years as a trusted preschool and child care program. It offers four age-based programs: Young Toddler (18 months to 2 1/2 years), Early Years (2 to 3 years), Preschool (3 to 4 years), and Kindergarten Readiness (4 to 5 years). The mission of the program states that every child is unique and that teachers create a safe, engaging environment where children can build confidence, friendships, independence, and a love of learning. The campus includes secure entry, bright classrooms, and child-focused spaces, with strong parent communication. The program describes itself as part of a village for families throughout Santa Maria and the surrounding community, including neighborhoods and nearby communities throughout the Santa Maria Valley.

Last updated July 1, 2026.