City Selects Greater Austin YMCA to Operate Early Education Center at Dove Springs Public Health Facility
City Selects Greater Austin YMCA to Operate Early Education Center at Dove Springs Public Health Facility
YMCA Tomorrow AcademyTM now enrolling for March, Hosting Open House Thursday, February 6
AUSTIN (February 5, 2025) – The City of Austin Economic Development Department has selected the Greater Austin YMCA to operate the early education center at the Dove Springs Public Health Facility, which opened in November. The project was funded by a voter-approved bond measure in 2018.
The new, 10,000-square-foot YMCA Tomorrow Academy early education center will help address the urgent need for high-quality, affordable childcare among working families in Southeast Austin, by offering a nurturing learning environment designed to help each child thrive from 6 weeks to 5 years old.
“Our Dove Springs community has consistently faced major barriers when it comes to finding high-quality, convenient, and affordable childcare,” said Austin Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes. “Having a recognized and trusted nonprofit like the YMCA as a partner in our neighborhood will empower working families and caregivers to expand their career options, elevate their quality of life, and take advantage of these much-needed services in our growing community.”
The Y will host an open house with tours for parents and caregivers Thursday, February 6 and Saturday February 22. The facility is located at 5811 Palo Blanco Lane. Interested families can register for open houses and tours now. Classes will begin in March 2025.
According to terms of the agreement, the Greater Austin YMCA will operate the facility for an initial three-year period with an option to renew for a second three-year term. The Y is the largest provider of childcare in Greater Austin, providing afterschool care for students at 60 area campuses, summer care at 20+ locations and early education at six centers.
“We’re creating a unique constellation of care that starts with the proprietary YMCA Playing to Learn Curriculum,” said Kathy Kuras, Greater Austin YMCA President & CEO. “We’ll foster curiosity, build critical thinking and creativity, and support social and emotional growth.”
Kuras said the Y will offer six classrooms and focus on early literacy, STEM, creative arts and nature play. The Y will complement the curriculum with personalized learning paths, one-on-one support, small group activities and responsive teaching.
Another unique feature of the Tomorrow Academy will be the wrap-around enrichment programs that the Y is known for, which will be woven into the program, such as family wellness, health and nutrition, as well as safety and hygiene and parent-teacher engagement.
The YMCA Tomorrow Academy in Dove Springs is the second of several Y facilities that will serve up to 1,000 area children by 2030.
“Access to high-quality, affordable childcare is essential to a sustainable economy,” said Anthony Segura, Interim Director of the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department. “When parents have reliable childcare, they can fully participate in the workforce, strengthening both their families and our community. This investment is not just about childcare—it’s an investment in the future prosperity of Austin."
The new YMCA Tomorrow Academy is located adjacent to the Dove Springs Public Health Facility, which offers a number of resources in one place, including preventive health care and employment services. Combined, the two facilities will increase access to services for those who have been historically underserved.
An official ribbon-cutting is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, February 26, with classes beginning in March. Additional details about the event will be shared soon.
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About the Greater Austin YMCA The Greater Austin YMCA is a dynamic force elevating quality of life in Central Texas by boldly expanding access for all children, adults, families and seniors in our rapidly growing community. Anchored in three counties, the Y serves more than 100,000 people annually through eight centers. We also provide afterschool education and care at more than 60 licensed campuses in four school districts and operate 6 early education centers, highlighted by two new YMCA Tomorrow Academy locations. For nearly 75 years, the Greater Austin YMCA has evolved to address each community’s greatest needs, touching every phase of life and nurturing happier, healthier people, a stronger community and a better world. More information is available at www.austinymca.org.
Details
February 6, 2025
The YMCA of Austin
Name: Sean Doles
Phone: 512-923-5015
Email: sean.doles@austinymca.org