Greater Austin YMCA Introduces Part-Time Child Care Options to Enhance Parental Flexibility
The Greater Austin YMCA has recently expanded its offerings at Tomorrow Academy Four Points by introducing part-time child care options, creating new scheduling flexibility for local parents. This initiative is designed to meet the evolving needs of families in the community who may not require full-time child care.
Details of the New Care Options
The part-time program allows parents to enroll their children for two or three days per week, alongside the existing full-time care option available five days a week. Children can now attend classes on either Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, or Tuesday and Thursday. This flexible approach aims to accommodate varying parental schedules while ensuring that children receive the necessary educational support.
Pricing for both part-time and full-time care has been updated as follows:
– Infant/Toddler Care (ages 6 weeks to 2 years)
– Part-Time: ,150 for Mon./Wed./Fri. attendance or 5 for Tue./Thu.
– Full-Time: ,595
– Preschool Care (ages 3–5 years)
– Part-Time: 5 for Mon./Wed./Fri. attendance or 0 for Tue./Thu.
– Full-Time: ,395
April Walker, the Senior Director of Learning and Innovation at the YMCA, emphasized the organization’s commitment to youth development. She stated, “We really try to listen to the community to see what their needs are and see how we can best fit their needs.” The YMCA launched these child care programs in response to a significant demand for early education in the area, particularly recognizing that full-time care may not be financially feasible for all families.
Nutritional Support and Curriculum Focus
Children enrolled in the part-time care programs will receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with special attention given to dietary restrictions and allergies. Walker noted the importance of providing a nurturing environment that prioritizes the physical health and well-being of the participants.
The academy adheres to the YMCA’s Constellation of Care model, focusing on five core areas: safety and hygiene, parent-teacher engagement, health and nutrition, family wellness, and the YMCA Playing to Learn Curriculum. Walker expressed optimism about how these new offerings can fulfill unmet needs in the community, especially given the increasingly complex schedules families face today.
Membership and Community Integration
Families who enroll their children in the YMCA Tomorrow Academy will also receive a complimentary Greater Austin YMCA family membership. This membership grants access to eight fitness centers and various benefits, including discounts on swim lessons and counseling sessions. “When you join here as a family, it’s not just daycare,” Walker remarked. “You become part of this community where the entire family is supported,” underscoring the commitment to holistic family wellness.
Future Developments
The YMCA Tomorrow Academy Four Points has been operational since March, catering to children from six weeks to prekindergarten. This facility marks the first phase of a more extensive development planned for the YMCA Four Points location, which will eventually include outdoor spaces, sports facilities, family gathering areas, an indoor fitness center, and a virtual production space.
As child care continues to evolve in response to societal and economic changes, the Greater Austin YMCA’s innovative approaches serve to enrich not only the educational landscape but also the broader family unit within the community.
