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Stephen F. Austin State University to close child care center due to budget constraints
By Texas Tribune, Jess Huff at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 10, 2026
· 4 min read
Subscribe to The Y’all — a weekly dispatch about the people, places and policies defining Texas, produced by Texas Tribune journalists living in communities across the state.Stephen F. Austin State University will phase out its Early Childhood Laboratory over the next few years because the progra...
Key takeaway Pattillo Early Childhood Research Center, also known as the child care lab, in 1975.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The closure of Stephen F. Austin State University's child care center has significant implications for San Antonio 's working families, who already face a shortage of affordable child care options. As the university phases out its Early Childhood Laboratory, parents will be forced to seek alternative care, which may be scarce or unaffordable. This decision also underscores the broader challenges facing child care centers in Texas, where operating costs are high and funding is often insufficient. In San Antonio, the loss of this center will exacerbate the existing child care desert, making it even harder for families to find reliable and affordable care. As the city's economy continues to grow, the need for accessible child care will only intensify, making it crucial for local leaders to explore solutions to support these vital services and ensure that working families have the resources they need to thrive.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 10, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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What is this story about? Subscribe to The Y’all — a weekly dispatch about the people, places and policies defining Texas, produced by Texas Tribune journalists living in communities across the state.Stephen F. Austin State University will phase out its Early Childhood Laboratory over the next few years because the progra...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 10, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Texas Tribune, Jess Huff at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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