CommUnify Children's Services – Head Start and Early Head Start

CommUnify Children's Services – Head Start and Early Head Start offers Head Start, Early Head Start, and State Preschool for the care and education of young children. The program provides high quality early care and education to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers from low-income families. CommUnify’s Learning Academy partners with the community to provide education, tools, and supportive services to staff, volunteers, clients, board members, and partners.

• Ages: 0–5 years old

CommUnify (formerly the Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County) was formed in 1964 as a 15-member Community Action Committee appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. In May 1967, CommUnify was incorporated as a private nonprofit organization providing Head Start early education services, and in October 1967 a senior support program was added. In 1969, an adult job-training program was added, and CommUnify has gradually expanded to include a wide array of programs. CommUnify now operates Head Start/Early Head Start programs, energy assistance, home weatherization services, financial literacy and family self-sufficiency supportive services, a variety of prevention and intervention services for youth, and a 211 information and referral helpline. CommUnify is now one of the largest nonprofit organizations in Santa Barbara County, employing more than 300 staff and operating 16 programs and services in the community. CommUnify’s foundation is a tripartite Board structure made up of one-third low-income (or representatives), one-third elected officials (or representatives), and one-third private or business representatives.

The mission of CommUnify is to serve Santa Barbara County’s vulnerable populations through education and coordinated services so they may achieve economic stability, improve overall well-being and thrive. CommUnify works collaboratively with the community to find innovative solutions to assist Santa Barbara County residents in living healthy, resilient, and financially secure lives. CommUnify is a committed partner to many nonprofits working to alleviate poverty in Santa Barbara County and is one of the few organizations in the county with a true north and south county footprint and commitment. CommUnify provides opportunities to geographic parts of the county that are often overlooked and have the greatest needs.

Last updated March 5, 2026.