New Austin Childcare Center to Open at Pease Site
The historic campus will serve 120 children by 2028, offering families increased access to early education and health support.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Child Care
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Austin Independent School District will reopen the historic Pease Elementary campus as a new early childhood education center in 2028. This initiative aims to expand local access to affordable childcare and support services for 120 children.
Why it matters
The project addresses a critical need for early learning and family resources in Austin. By integrating childcare with housing, healthcare, and food assistance, the center provides a centralized support system for local families with infants to children aged six.
The planned center will serve 120 children, up from zero following the campus closure in 2020. Officials have secured $18.8 million for renovations, though full project outcomes are not expected until the facility opens in 2028.
The players
Austin Independent School District
A public school system that oversees primary education and manages district property in Austin.
United Way for Greater Austin
A nonprofit organization dedicated to improving local community health, education, and financial stability.
Moody Foundation
A philanthropic institution that provides grants to support education and community health initiatives.
The details
The 2.2-acre historic campus will be transformed through an $18.8 million renovation funded by a $3 million Congressional appropriation and a $1.8 million Moody Foundation donation. Under a 50-year lease, the United Way for Greater Austin will manage the site to provide education and direct links to healthcare and housing support. The district retains ownership of the land while the nonprofit handles daily operations and staffing.
Timeline
1876: Pease Elementary originally opened.
2013: The site was designated as a historic landmark.
2020: The elementary school closed its doors.
2025: Trustees approved a 50-year lease agreement for the facility.
2028: The new childhood education center is expected to open.
Health Landscape
This project follows the pattern set by municipal efforts to repurpose underutilized school infrastructure for essential community services. It marks a shift toward integrating early education with wraparound family support to address systemic barriers to health.
Families in the area should monitor the facility's progress as it nears its 2028 opening for updates on enrollment availability for infants and young children. If you require current support, consult your pediatrician or local health services to identify existing resources while this center remains in development.
The takeaway
The reopening of this historic site signals a broader push to integrate educational access with fundamental family health support. Parents can track regional childcare developments and discuss their options for early childhood programs with their primary care physician.
Further reading
Learn more about local programs and resources in our Child Care section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Austin American-Statesman.
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