IVYP News
November 2018
A Note from our Executive Director

Dear friend,

I’ll never forget the time my son, then 4 years old, looked at me and proclaimed, “I am thinking all of the time.” I know exactly how he feels. Lately, I have been thinking about how to be as welcoming as possible. Creating a welcoming space is vital to supporting children’s learning and growing. Communicating welcome helps people feel included and valued.

One of the ways we establish a welcoming environment at IVYP is through our language. Most of our staff are bilingual, enabling families to communicate with us in the language they are most comfortable. We’ve also made a commitment to distribute this newsletter in both English and Spanish. When you open up this email, the first thing you see is a link to an entirely Spanish version of the newsletter. It takes a little extra effort for me to write my message early enough for it to be translated. It takes a lot of extra effort to translate my words. But, the message I want to communicate is that IVYP welcomes all of our families, all of the voices in our community.

I am thinking all of the time. Thinking about how I communicate clearly, inclusively and effectively to our students, our families and our staff. I’m also listening all of the time and I’d love to hear what you think about how we as IVYP are communicating. I feel this is vital to nurturing the welcoming world of IVYP. 


Lori Goodman
Executive Director
Be on the lookout for IVYP's 2017-18 Annual Report hitting mail boxes this month! If you're not sure if you're on our mailing list or need to update your information contact us here .

IVYP in the news

The Goleta Union School District is being honored with the Golden Bell Award by the California School Boards Association! GUSD is receiving this award in honor of a collaborative called The Early Childhood Consultation, Reflective Practice and Social Emotional Professional Learning Program.

IVYP has played a key role in bringing together all the partners for this collaboration, tracking data and providing a Family Advocate in the schools.

Read more here
Benefits of Outdoor Play for IVYP Kids

In October all classes at our IVYP Children's Center took turns visiting the Lane Farms pumpkin patch in Goleta. Not only were these fields trips fun (and adorable) they nurtured outdoor play which is a key aspect of IVYP's philosophy. As an outdoor classroom site, IVYP's Children's Center fosters outdoor play which helps with kids physical development and coordination, cognitive and reasoning ability, and communication skills.

See photos of the field trips by visiting our Facebook page

Staff Spotlight - Mariana Barba

" Nothing can compare to seeing the growth of the students individually and academically.  I’ve witnessed some of these students grow for the past 3 years; the skills they are obtaining are inspiring. I truly enjoy not only being a part of their learning experience but also learning from them myself.  "

Read more here

Giving Thanks Goes Beyond the Holiday Table

Something that I have begun to notice in my 3 year-old is her ability to compliment others. Everyday I hear her offering appreciation and admiration of the people and things around her. While I am always excited to hear her being so kind I am even more pleased to see her practicing gratitude without being prompted. With Thanksgiving around the corner now is a great time to start integrating gratitude into your daily family routines. And the benefits may surprise you. 

Read the full blog post here

Harvest of the month

Each month we share a healthy, easy and affordable recipe to try that highlights ingredients you can get at our monthly food distribution on the first Thursday of every month. This month we are highlighting fall with a wonderful slow cooker recipe that's great for working parents!

Read the full recipe here!
Get Involved with IVYP
Spend time in the classroom. Our Children's Center, infant care, and after school elementary programs all love to have volunteers come to spend time with the children.
To learn more call Liz at
805-845-0730
Help feed our community by volunteering at our monthly food distribution. Next opportunity to help is Thursday, October 4!
To learn more call Ana at
805-685-6900
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Our sites are always in need of helping hands! We have projects ranging from painting, to yard clean up.
To learn more call Gina at
805-845-0730
Isla Vista Youth Projects

Administrative offices
970 Embarcadero del Mar
Isla Vista, CA 93117
805-845-0730

Children's Center
(agency mailing address)
6842 Phelps Road
Goleta, CA 93117
805-968-0488

After School and Summer Enrichment Program
6875 El Colegio Rd.
Goleta, CA 93117
805-968-1624

Family Resource Center (NEW)
5638 Hollister Ave Suite 200
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 685-6900