Early Learning Center Construction is Complete!

Sentara Martha Jefferson and Piedmont Family YMCA are teaming up to improve access to healthcare and childcare for families in our community.

ELC Ribbon Cutting

A Dream Fulfilled

"Some dreams are worth waiting for." --Carol Hurt, SMHH Board Chair

On January 16, hospital leaders cut the ribbon on the beautiful, new YMCA Early Learning Center at Sentara Martha Jefferson. The center fulfills a dream 30 years in the making: affordable, high-quality childcare onsite for SMJH team members.

Realizing the dream was a true community effort, and local media, community leaders, early childhood educators, and hospital supporters came out to celebrate. There were smiles all around exploring the colorful, light-filled space, which is ready and waiting for the first children to arrive and fill it with joy and energy.

Sentara staff have priority enrollment, and tuition is assessed on a sliding scale. To ensure that the center is accessible and affordable to all staff, the Martha Jefferson Hospital Foundation is working to establish a $5 million endowment to support the Early Learning Center in perpetuity.

At a glance

  • Number of kids: 148
  • Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years
  • Size of Facility: 12,758 sq. feet
  • Classrooms: 10, plus outdoor classrooms and play spaces
  • Food Services: Nutritious meals and snacks provided on-site
  • Operating Hours: 6:30am – 6:00pm (extended to accommodate healthcare shifts)

Endowment Goal = $5 million

All our team members are committed to serving this community, and they want to be here--but they can only do that if they have access to reliable, affordable, and high-quality childcare. Supporting working parents in this way directly supports the health of our entire community.

Pat Scherle
Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer

Have questions?

To find out more and get involved, please contact the Martha Hospital Foundation.

Early Learning Center Construction Update June 1, 2025

Sentara Martha Jefferson broke ground in November on the YMCA Early Learning Center at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital. Slated to open in early 2026, the Center ensures high-quality, affordable childcare for our team, so they can continue to provide exemplary care to our patients and community.