Children of teen parents in North County can receive free childcare and meals through a Santa Barbara County Education Office program starting its 34th year of service.
Those enrolled at one of two California School Age Families Education Centers operated by the office can receive the services while their parents complete a high school education. Infant centers are located at Maple High School in Lompoc and Santa Maria High School.
The program is operated for the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the county education office. In accordance with federal law and Department of Agriculture policy, all attending children will be offered care, snacks, and school readiness services at no charge.
Income eligibility guidelines can be found on the California Department of Education website, www.cde.ca.gov/index.asp.
For more information contact the county education office at 964-4711, Ext. 4456.
This article appears in Oct 24-31, 2013.