The Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum and Children’s Resource and Referral of Santa Barbara County merged on July 1, creating a new partnership at the Santa Maria hands-on museum.
“It’s a perfect marriage,” said Jacquilyn Banta, chief operating officer for the museum. “We can serve families with high-quality engagement and child development while also honoring the history of the Santa Maria Valley.”
As part of the merger, the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum will now operate as the Children’s Resource and Referral Discovery Museum. The education and resource organization will continue serving as the umbrella organization.
The museum will offer new programs like STEM nights, Stay and Play family hours, mobile discovery units, and multilingual access initiatives.
Along with a new music section, the arts and crafts station, pirate ship, and toddler space have all been upgraded. Children can explore new learning opportunities like working with robots and microscopes or painting and cutting out shapes.
“Every space is touched with the intention to build the brains of our youngest community members,” Banta said. “We’re confident that when families come in, they’re going to feel that intentionality.”
Banta said the new museum also incorporates literacy in every exhibit. Kids can find books related to the space they’re exploring and act out what they see and read, she said.
“Research demonstrates that children enter kindergarten more ready when they have access to high-quality early learning environments beforehand,” Banta said. “All children should have access to high-quality early learning.”
The new space will offer team members who can help families find licensed child care options that fit their specific needs, according to Banta. She said team members provide families with checklists of what should be in high-quality early learning environments and links to see if each option is being inspected regularly or if there are any causes for concern.
“Children’s Resource and Referral has the only database of all licensed child care options in our county,” Banta said. “We are also committed to keeping membership affordable.”
A $75 basic membership provides unlimited museum admission for one adult and one child for a year; the $95 grandparent membership allows two grandparents and four grandchildren a year of free admission.
A $135 reciprocal membership also provides a year of free admission for two adults and three children from the same household. It includes a 50 percent discount off general admission at more than 200 museums in the United States and Canada. Find the full list at childrensmuseums.org.
“Our shared vision is rooted in one belief: that all children deserve the chance to discover their potential,” Banta said in press materials. “This is our commitment to a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient future for Santa Barbara County.”
On July 8, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce planned a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the merger.
“This is more than a merger; it’s a movement toward a stronger, more connected future for our community’s children,” Chief Executive Officer Michelle Graham said in press materials. “Together, we are expanding access to early education, enriching learning experiences, and supporting families where they are—both in life and in learning.”
Highlight
• The Kiwanis Club of Santa Maria-Noontime is seeking community partners to sponsor its upcoming Aug. 16 Bunco Bonanza fundraiser at the Minami Community Center. Best for small businesses, the $500 Lucky Roll Sponsorship offers two complimentary tickets, a program listing, event announcements, and social media recognition. The $1,000 High Roller Sponsorship is designed for mid-sized businesses and includes four complimentary tickets, premium seating, program logo placement, ceremony recognition, and social media promotion. The $2,500 Bunco Champion Sponsorship also comes with four event tickets, which are complemented by premium table placement, your company’s logo being added on the program cover, exclusive game round naming rights, a speaking opportunity, and more. Sponsorship commitments must be made by July 31. Interested businesses can contact Donna Beal at (805) 252-2530 or smvkiwanis1923@gmail.com. For more information, visit santamariakiwanis.org.
Reach Staff Writer Reece Coren at rcoren@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jul 10-20, 2025.
Google is paying $90 to $100 dollars per hour! Work for few hours by doing an easy job Online and have longer with friends & family. On tuesday I got a great new Land Rover Range Rover from having earned $10,000 dollars this last four weeks. Its the most-financialy rewarding I’ve had. It sounds unbelievable but you wont forgive yourself If you don’t.
This One Copy Now–===>> http://www.get.money63.com
I get paid more than $120 to $130 per hour for working online. I heard about this job 3 months ago and after joining this i have earned easily $15k from this without having online working skills.
This is what I do……. http://Www.Works6.Com