A Bright Start Begins Here: YMCA Opens Early Learning Academy at Coastal Carolina University

Posted on by Hatton Gravely

We’re thrilled to share big news that reflects what happens when community partners come together with a shared mission: to help every child shine.

This fall, the YMCA of Coastal Carolina officially opened the YMCA Early Learning Academy at Coastal Carolina University—a meaningful step forward in expanding access to high-quality, affordable child care and early education for families in our region.

Formerly the CCU Early Childhood Development and Literacy Center, the program is now operated by the YMCA, with day-to-day management, family support, and curriculum guided by our mission to nurture every child’s potential. The partnership brings together the strengths of three dedicated community leaders: CCU’s Spadoni College of Education and Social Sciences and the YMCA of Coastal Carolina.

What makes this partnership special?

  • Real-world experience for future educators. CCU students studying early childhood education now have more opportunities for student teaching, hands-on learning, and meaningful engagement with children—right on campus.
  • A data-informed approach. United Way of Horry County will help track developmental milestones and assess kindergarten readiness, ensuring every child gets the strong start they deserve.
  • Room to grow. The licensed center can serve up to 110 children, and we hope this model can expand to even more locations across the Grand Strand in the future.

“Child care remains a critical need in the region,” said Dr. Jamia Richmond, Dean of the Spadoni College. “This pilot program addresses that gap while offering CCU students valuable experience.”

Enrollment is open!
The YMCA Early Learning Academy accepts ABC vouchers, offers income-based pricing, and now partners with SC First Steps to offer free 4K through an application process.

Ready to learn more or schedule a tour?

If you’re interested in enrolling your child, we’d love to meet you! 
Contact Brandi Duncan, YMCA Early Learning Academy Director
📞 843-349-2429 | ✉️ [email protected]

Together, we’re building brighter futures—for children, for students, and for our community.

Updated Hours for January 23 - 25, 2025

 

Due to the winter snow and potential weather conditions overnight, in order to keep our members and staff safe, all YMCA of Coastal Carolina center locations will close remained closed on Thursday and open limited hours on Friday. Saturday will resume normal operating hours.

  • Thursday, January 23, 2025: All YMCA of Coastal Carolina centers will remain closed. (This includes 24 hour access at the Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA.) 
  • Friday, January 24, 2025: Centers will be open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.  Please note services may be limited during this time.
  • Saturday, January 25, 2025: All YMCA of Coastal Carolina centers will resume normal operating hours.

Please stay safe and check our website for updates.Thank you for understanding as we weather the winter storm. We hope you and your family stay safe and warm!

 

Updated Hours Today

We hope you and your family stayed safe during the storm. We will resume normal operations at all three YMCA of Coastal Carolina center locations at 11 a.m. today. 

  • Thursday, August 31: All three center locations will reopen at 11 a.m.
  • Friday, September 1: All three center locations will be open during normal hours.
 24-hour access will be unavailable to Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA during the times the center is closed but will resume as normal tonight.