Sentara Martha Jefferson Early Learning Center

We are thrilled to announce that Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital is a building a new Early Learning Center on the hospital’s campus in Pantops!

When the Sentara Martha Jefferson Early Learning Center opens in fall 2025, it will accommodate 148 children up to age five. SMJH staff and first responders will have priority for the available childcare slots, with costs assessed on a sliding scale.

Knowing that their children are safe and close will translate directly into peace of mind for our team members, enabling them to devote their full attention to providing the highest possible standard of care for our patients and the community.

We are delighted to extend the Caring Tradition to our staff and community through the Center by:

• Fostering work/life balance for our teams through dedicated, on-site childcare, with extended hours designed to align with healthcare shifts.
• Providing a powerful tool to help Sentara Martha Jefferson recruit and retain top-quality caregivers.
• Removing the childcare barrier for entry-level employees, so they can access the ladder of career opportunity at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital. The YMCA sets rates on a sliding scale consistent with the Department of Social Services' market rates for our community. It also works with area agencies to provide income-based subsidies and scholarships.
• Easing the larger crisis around available, affordable childcare in our region.

The Center is a true community effort, and we are looking to the community to make this dream a reality. Through the Martha Jefferson Hospital Foundation, we are embarking on a campaign to establish a $5 million endowment that will support the early learning center in perpetuity. We invite you to help us care for our teams, families, and community. Contact Simone Alley, Director of Development to learn more and share your support.