YMCA Early Learning Center at Sentara Martha Jefferson

This NEW YMCA Early Learning Center will open in 2026!

The YMCA Early Learning Center at Sentara Martha Jefferson will offer quality full-day early learning for infants through preschoolers, enabling parents and family members to work knowing their children are in a safe, stimulating environment. The Center will be approximately 12,000 square feet with ten classrooms, a gross motor skills room, kitchen, caregiver room, and multiple playgrounds. 

  • Ages 6 weeks to 5 years
  • Monday – Friday, 6:30 am – 6 pm
  • Sliding scale rates
  • Virginia-licensed childcare

Registration is now open for Sentara employee families!


Location & Contact

The Center will be located at 475 Martha Jefferson Drive, adjacent to the Sentara Outpatient Care Center building.

Email: childcaresmj@piedmontymca.org


2026 Weekly Tuition

Weekly tuition is based on the YMCA classroom your child enrolls in. Annual non-refundable registration fee of $100 is due prior to enrollment.
 

Gross Household Income

YMCA Scholarship

Infant
6 wks - 15 mos

Toddler
16 - 24 mos

Pre1- 
2 yrs

Pre2-PreK
3-5 yrs

$35,000 or less   * * * *
$35,001 - $60,000 30% $252 $235 $207 $196
$60,001 - $85,000 20% $288 $268 $236 $224
$85,001 or more   $360 $335 $295 $280
*Please contact your local Department of Social Services or United Way Early Learners Scholarship Program to apply for subsidized child care opportunities.


Note: Income in all categories (except $85,001 or more) must be verified by providing a copy of your most recent tax return and documentation of all sources of income. Examples include: unemployment, SNAP, TANF, Social Security, disability, spousal/child support, etc.


Center Closings

  • New Year's Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

Anticipated Timeline

  • Ongoing: Staff recruitment
  • October 1, 2025: Registration is open for Sentara employee families. 
  • December 2025: Construction complete
  • January 2026: Center opens

Below is a rendering of the building as it will look when finished:

 


REGISTRATION


Interested Sentara employees should send an email to childcaresmj@piedmontymca.org, and we will send you registration materials.

 


Questions? Please reach out to us at: childcaresmj@piedmontymca.org

 

1,892 is the approximate number of days between the day your child is born and the day your child starts school.
WE STRIVE TO MAKE EVERY ONE OF THOSE DAYS COUNT!

 

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