Independent School District

iKids U Announces New Partnership with Del Valle Independent School District

[ Del Valle/Austin, TX ]iKids U is proud to announce a new partnership that will expand access to quality after school care programs for elementary-aged students. Beginning with the 2023-24 school year, students at four Del Valle ISD elementary schools will have access to iKids U and their signature educational enrichment program – Stay, Play, and Learn.

Geraldine Smythe, CEO of the iKids U national franchise, has helped to lead the collaboration between Del Valle ISD and iKids U. The commitment of iKids U to supporting the Del Valle community is evident, as stated by Smythe, “We are excited for the opportunity to serve the students and families of Del Valle ISD. iKids U provides high-quality after school programs that prioritize safety, fun, and learning for the kids, and flexibility for the parents. iKids U is committed to providing child-centered services that can meet the diverse array of needs located within the Del Valle community”.

Del Valle ISD leadership has diligently sought opportunities to strengthen the breadth of opportunities available to families during the after-school hours for the upcoming school year and was looking for a way to enhance existing district-sponsored programs. After several months of research, the district elected to move forward with iKids U’s licensed afterschool care program. The competitively priced, high-quality care and bundled enrichment programs will run daily until 6pm at several elementary campuses, with an impressive 1:12 qualified instructor to student ratio. The four schools to initially benefit from access to iKids U afterschool programs include Del Valle Elementary, Gilbert Elementary, Hornsby-Dunlap Elementary, and Newton Collins Elementary.

DVISD Administrator and spokesperson for out of school time services, Justin King, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, stating “After much thoughtful consideration, we have decided to move forward with the iKids U program as a parent paid option at 4 of our Elementary campuses this upcoming school year. We are extremely excited in moving forward with this partnership!”

The iKids U Stay, Play, and Learn program is designed to provide a safe, fun, and educational environment for children after school. The program focuses on academic enrichment, social-emotional development, and physical activity, all while providing flexibility for parents. Parents have the option of creating a customized weekly schedule that caters to the interests of each of their unique children’s tastes, as well as family budgets. Additionally, the iKids U program accommodates the various demands of parents’ schedules, allowing children to attend on a part-time or full-time basis, also providing extended hours on early release days and during October break. Parents can elect for kids to join the program as little as 1 day a week and up to 5 days a week, while only paying for the care time for which they register.

Each week, iKids U students are engaged in a specialized curriculum consisting of educational, recreational, STEAM, character-building, and creative activities. Student engagement is derived through play-based and choice-based learning options.

As stated by Ryan Salazar, General Manager of iKids U Central Texas, “We recognize the importance of providing comprehensive educational and play-based opportunities that go beyond the traditional classroom setting. Through this partnership, iKids U will collaborate with Del Valle ISD schools to identify how we can support the unique needs of students, families, and campus administrators. By leveraging the after-school hours, iKids U intentionally creates an environment that seamlessly supports each child’s personal development.”

Registration for iKids U after school care is now open for Del Valle Elementary, Gilbert Elementary, Hornsby-Dunlap Elementary, and Newton Collins Elementary. For more information, and to register, parents can visit www.ikidsu.com or call 888.824.4885. Parents interested in bringing iKids U to their school are also encouraged to contact iKids U or their respective child’s elementary school principal.


About iKids U

iKids U is a leading provider of afterschool programs, offering a range of services designed to meet the needs of today’s busy families. Prioritizing safety, fun, and learning, iKids U provides a nurturing environment where children can continue to grow and develop outside of regular school hours. With a mission to inspire young minds, iKids U Central Texas delivers comprehensive enrichment opportunities that nurture creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Visit www.ikidsu.com to learn more about our unique out of school programs for young kids and to locate a school near you and become an iKid today!

About Del Valle ISD

Del Valle Independent School District is committed to providing quality education to students within the Del Valle community. With a focus on student success and innovative learning approaches, Del Valle ISD prepares students for college, career, and life. The district’s vision is to empower students to be critical thinkers and innovative world-class visionaries. Their mission is to create a bi-literate, culturally responsive enhanced academic foundation by providing a future-ready education with real-world opportunities.


Press Contact:

Geraldine Smythe – centraltexas@ikidsu.com – 888.824.4885