New classrooms for infants and toddlers planned as Speer YMCA Preschool Academy expansion begins

The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg announced the start of construction on a significant expansion of its Speer YMCA Preschool Academy at a kick-off event Feb. 19, 2025. The new classrooms will address the critical need for infant and toddler care in south St. Petersburg. The project will add four new classrooms, allowing an additional 32 children ages 2 months to 2 years to receive high-quality early childhood education.

“Knowing the critical need for infant and toddler care in south St. Petersburg, we have chosen to put over $1.5 million into this expansion,” said David Jezek, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg. “According to a Harvard University study, every dollar invested in early childhood education returns $7 in value to the community. In this case, this project could result in an investment of over $10 million to the community. That's an impact we are proud to make.”

The first five years of life are vital for children’s learning and growth. In fact, 90% of a child's brain development happens before age five. “Access to early learning lays the foundation for school readiness by building the cognitive and social skills children need to do well in school and in life, including language, attentiveness, persistence, kindness, and self-regulation,” said Geneka Green, Speer YMCA Preschool Academy Director.

In addition to the new classrooms, the expansion will introduce several outdoor and facility upgrades, including:

• The addition of a toddler-specific playground to support learning through play
• A covered airnasium, a state-of-the-art steel structure designed to provide shade and shelter while facilitating diverse recreational and functional activities
• Enhancements to the existing playground
• Updates to existing classrooms
• An updated teaching garden
• A refreshed building facade

Construction is set to begin within weeks, with classrooms opening to new children later this year.

For more information about the expansion or enrollment opportunities, please contact Geneka Green, [email protected].