AnonymousSource: South Coast Montessori
South Coast Montessori (SCM), offering an authentic Montessori education for infants through Elementary-aged children, is pleased to announced they have been selected as the first grant recipient of the Santa Barbara Better Together (SBBT) fund, in partnership with the City of Goleta, and Deckers Brands. SBBT has awarded a grant of $5,000 to SCM designated for costs associated with keeping each classroom compliant with COVID-19 health and safety regulations. Distribution of funds are voted on by the committee members.
SBBT is a committee-advised fund at the Santa Barbara Foundation, providing financial assistance grants to the small local business community. It has been established specifically to support basic business needs necessary to enable continued operations during the COVID-19 pandemic period in a manner compliant with local and State Health Officer’s orders.
“We at SCM want to thank the Santa Barbara Foundation and Deckers Brands for creating the Santa Barbara Better Together (SBBT) Fund to support local businesses such as ours during the COVID-19 pandemic. Targeting local businesses in areas where Federal or State support has fallen short is exactly what the community needs,” said Brian Cogswell, Head of School. “Early Childhood Education is an essential service and we are very grateful that SBBT recognized this and provided us with this grant.”
South Coast Montessori is dedicated to the principles of AMI (Association Montessori International) created by Maria Montessori to ensure authenticity of the method. These AMI Montessori environments foster collaboration, community and peace, providing experiences that promote curiosity, inquiry and engagement. The staff at SCM is dedicated to meeting the physical, emotional, social and intellectual needs of each student, and the campus features indoor-outdoor classroom environments, encouraging students to follow their own unique interests and curiosity.
“Payroll costs have increased as much as 20% as a result of the protocols needed to keep staff and children as safe as possible during these unprecedented times. We continue to adapt as guidance changes almost weekly,” continued Cogswell. “Our staff at SCM has been amazing. Not one person hesitated in returning to work when we reopened and they have come to work each day with a positive outlook and a willingness to adapt to the situation. Witnessing their creativity and relentless spirit in the face of this pandemic has been an inspiration. We are happy to be open safely and supporting our community”
To learn more about the fund, visit SBFoundation.org.
To learn more about SCM, visit https://www.southcoastmontessori.org/
