Cottage Health Child Care Center Expansion Approved by Planning Commission

Approval clears way to double child care capacity for healthcare workers and families

The City of Santa Barbara Planning Commission unanimously approved the expansion of the Orfalea Children’s Center at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, a project that will expand access to child care for healthcare workers and their families. The approval grants a Conditional Use Permit for construction of a new two-story, 6,847-square-foot building adjacent to the existing center at the corner of Castillo and Los Olivos streets.

The expansion will focus on serving infants and toddlers ages 0 to 3, while continuing care for currently enrolled children through preschool years. The Orfalea Children’s Center has a waitlist of more than 300 Cottage Health employees, underscoring the urgent need for additional child care capacity.

“This is an important step in supporting our employees and their families,” said Ron Lafrican, Administrative Director, Human Resources. at Cottage Health. “Reliable, high-quality child care helps strengthen our workforce and the care we provide to our patients.” Cottage Health plans to begin construction in early 2027, following completion of construction drawings and the City’s permitting process.

During the review, Planning Commissioners noted Cottage Health’s commitment to its workforce and acknowledged its investments in initiatives such as child care and housing that support employees and their families.

Additional details, including construction timelines, will be shared as the project moves forward.