Divisions Overview

The Santa Barbara County Education Office has five divisions and the Communications Department that oversee the numerous programs and projects of our office.  

• Administrative Services
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Student and Community Services
• Human Resources
• Special Education

Administrative Services is comprised of three departments – Internal Services (IS), Information Technology Services (ITS), and School Business Advisory Services (SBAS) which serve our office as well as school districts.

The Communications Department highlights and promotes the work of the Santa Barbara County Education Office through media relations, social media, website management, press releases, public service announcements, op-eds, television production, copywriting, event support and public records requests. Visit our News and Information page.

The department also offers printing and graphic design services.  Visit the Print Shop.

Curriculum and Instruction oversees a wide range of programs and services that support professional learning, leadership and continuous improvement of instructional practice in our local districts and schools.

This division's programs include:

• Credential Programs: BAP, CASC, PASC, Teacher Induction Program
• Curriculum Council
• Curriculum and Instruction Support 
• Educational Technology Services (ETS)
• LCAP and Accountability
• Professional Learning
• Student Events
• Teacher Programs and Support (Teachers Network)

Student and Community Services provides programs for distinct populations within the school communities such as preschool-aged children, homeless and foster youth, and students involved in the court system.

This division's programs include:

• Career Technical Education (CTE)
• Charter Schools
• Child Welfare and Attendance Services
• Early Care and Education
• Expulsion and Interdistrict Transfer Appeals 
• Juvenile Court and Community Schools
• Transitional Youth Services

This division also oversees two non-profit organizations:

• Children and Family Resource Services
• Children’s Creative Project

Human Resources administers personnel functions, registers credentials for county teachers, and provides assistance to those applying or renewing credential applications. This division also manages a fingerprint records cooperative for school districts for multiple-district substitute teachers, and helps school districts with legal and policy issues relating to school district employment. State Teachers’ Retirement System (STRS) provides pre-retirement counseling, by appointment, to CalSTRS members.

Special Education provides services to students with unique needs.  The programs and services include Early Start, Special Education Preschool, Regional Services, and direct services to districts.