News Summary

Willowbrae Childcare Academy has launched its first U.S. franchise in Georgetown, Texas, addressing the urgent childcare shortage faced by many families. CEO Shawn Pattison emphasized the need for innovative childcare solutions that blend technology with education. This new facility aims to provide quality care to local children as part of a broader plan to expand into other Texas cities and states. The move reflects the growing demand for reliable childcare in areas classified as ‘childcare deserts.’

Georgetown, Texas

Willowbrae Childcare Academy has opened its first U.S. franchise location in Georgetown, Texas, on June 30, 2025. This new facility aims to address the pressing childcare shortage affecting many families across the United States. The opening comes at a time when many parents struggle to find affordable and accessible childcare options.

CEO Shawn Pattison highlighted the lack of innovative childcare solutions in the U.S. market, emphasizing the need for programs that integrate technology with a comprehensive educational curriculum. By opening in Georgetown, Willowbrae seeks to redefine childcare services, providing quality care to local children and families, which has become increasingly necessary due to the growth of young families in the area.

In Texas, approximately 48% of residents live in what are termed childcare deserts. These are regions where there are three times as many children under the age of five as there are licensed childcare slots available, or where few providers exist. This shortage can significantly affect parents’ abilities to work and pursue education, which in turn impacts families and the broader economy.

The new Willowbrae facility is situated at 3010 FM 1460 in Georgetown. This strategic location is chosen to serve the needs of families in the surrounding area who face challenges linked to limited childcare options.

Plans for the future include the expansion of Willowbrae into major Texas cities: Houston, Austin, Dallas, and Fort Worth. In addition to expanding within Texas, Willowbrae has set its sights on other states for future growth, including Colorado, Arizona, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana. This commitment to expansion reflects the organization’s resolve to provide quality childcare services to more families across the country.

Since its inception in 2009, Willowbrae has been dedicated to serving families with children from infants to school-age children. The organization combines leading-edge technology with effective operational practices to enhance communication with parents and the overall learning experience for children.

A unique aspect of Willowbrae’s model is that each facility is owned and operated by local residents. This approach aims to maintain community identity and create job opportunities within the area, thereby contributing to the local economy. Parents in Georgetown can now register their children for the new facility through the readily accessible online portal on the Willowbrae website.

The urgent need for reliable childcare has become even more apparent in light of economic trends and the demands placed on working families. With such significant community needs, Willowbrae Childcare Academy’s entry into the Georgetown market represents a hopeful step toward resolving the ongoing childcare crisis.

As the landscape of childcare continues to evolve, facilities like Willowbrae are essential in providing the necessary support for families striving to balance work, education, and home life. By focusing on innovative solutions and a community-oriented approach, Willowbrae aims to make a positive impact on the lives of children and their families.

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Willowbrae Academy Opens New Childcare School in Georgetown

Additional Resources

• Community Impact: Willowbrae Childcare Academy in Georgetown
• Wikipedia: Child care
• GlobeNewswire: Willowbrae U.S. Location
• Google Search: Willowbrae Childcare Academy
• The Georgetown Voice: Child Care in Georgetown
• Google Scholar: Child care in Georgetown
• Community Impact: The Hilltop Academy in Round Rock
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Childcare deserts
• The Baltimore Banner: Federal Child Care Closures
• Google News: Child care shortage in Maryland

Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN

GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.