Welcome, Austin Families

Your child's
first classroom
is here.

For over 50 years, UT Child Development Center has nurtured young minds on the UT Austin campus — where curiosity is celebrated, every child is seen, and learning begins with love.

Schedule a Visit Explore Programs
50+
Years of Excellence
UT
Austin Campus
A+
NAEYC Accredited
Happy children learning in a colorful classroom at UT Child Development Center
Trusted by 200+ Families
Austin community since 1972
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Child engaging in creative arts activity Teacher reading to young students
Children playing in outdoor playground area Young student working on educational activity
Our Story

Nurturing little
learners since 1972

UT Child Development Center was founded with a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves a foundation built on warmth, curiosity, and respect. What began as a small program has grown into one of Austin's most trusted early childhood centers — still proudly affiliated with the University of Texas at Austin.

Our campus sits just steps from the UT Austin heart, giving families the peace of mind that comes with a university-affiliated program, while our intimate class sizes ensure no child ever feels like just a number.

Infant – Pre-K
Ages 6 weeks to 5 years
Full-Day
7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Programs

Programs tailored to
every stage of growth

From your child's first steps in a classroom to the year before kindergarten, each program is thoughtfully designed to meet developmental needs with play-based, research-informed learning.

Ages 6 weeks – 18 months

Infant Program

A gentle, nurturing environment where infants build secure attachments, develop trust, and explore the world through sensory-rich experiences guided by patient, dedicated caregivers.

  • Low caregiver-to-infant ratios
  • Sensory & motor development
  • Individualized care plans
Ages 18 months – 3 years

Toddler Program

Toddlers are explorers. Our program channels their boundless energy into structured play, language development, and the beginning of social skills — all in a safe, stimulating environment.

  • Language & cognitive stimulation
  • Potty training support
  • Social-emotional guidance
Ages 3 – 5 years

Preschool & Pre-K

Building school readiness through immersive learning. Our preschoolers develop early literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking skills through project-based exploration and creative play.

  • Pre-kindergarten readiness
  • Arts, music & movement
  • Outdoor learning & nature
Why Choose Us

What makes our
community special

Parents choose UT Child Development Center not just for our location or credentials — but for the genuine warmth, intentionality, and expertise that defines every day on our campus.

University-Affiliated Excellence

As a program of the University of Texas at Austin, we maintain the highest standards in early childhood education, with faculty holding advanced degrees in child development.

Intimate Class Sizes

Small ratios mean every child receives individualized attention. Our teachers truly know each child — their interests, their challenges, and their unique light.

Holistic, Play-Based Curriculum

We follow a research-backed, play-based approach that honors how children naturally learn — through exploration, creativity, social interaction, and guided discovery.

Convenient Austin Location

Located at 1601 Congress Ave, our campus is easily accessible from all Austin neighborhoods, with ample parking and just minutes from downtown and the UT campus.

Children collaborating on a creative project in the UT Child Development Center classroom
Our Campus

A space where
children thrive

Our thoughtfully designed classrooms and outdoor spaces inspire exploration, creativity, and a genuine love of learning.

Spacious classroom with natural light and educational materials
Bright & Inspiring Classrooms
Designed for exploration and discovery
Outdoor playground with safe play equipment
Safe Outdoor Play
Art corner with children's creative supplies
Creative Arts Studio
Reading nook with cozy seating and books
Cozy Reading Nooks
Where stories come alive
"Finding UT Child Development Center was the best decision we made for our daughter. The teachers genuinely care, and she comes home every day excited to tell us what she learned."
A Parent on the UT Community
Family since 2019
Get in Touch

We'd love to
meet your family

Whether you're beginning your search or have questions about enrollment, our team is here to welcome you. Schedule a tour and see firsthand what makes our center special.

Visit Us
1601 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701-1408
Call Us
(512) 471-4400
Office Hours
Monday – Friday
7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Request Information

Fill out the form below and we'll be in touch within 24 hours.

Aerial view of the UT Austin campus area
Find Us
1601 Congress Ave, Austin, TX
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