An internationally recognized child development program that promises to provide kids with serious fun and endless socialization recently opened a new location in Dripping Springs. The local owners of the new The Little Gym, the world’s premier enrichment and physical development center for children ages four months through 12 years, will serve the local Dripping Springs area by playing a crucial role in the development of thousands of local children.

The Little Gym of Dripping Springs is owned and operated by local entrepreneur and mother, Lucia Eraña. A former Little Gym customer herself, Eraña enrolled her premature son in a parent/caregiver and me classes to help him reach developmental milestones.

With over a nine-year background in teaching and working with children, Eraña has always been passionate about early childhood development. Her daughter, now 23 and on the autism spectrum, is pursuing a degree in child development, inspired by her mother's work. Given the employment challenges faced by individuals with autism, the new Little Gym location offers a meaningful opportunity for Eraña's daughter and other young adults with similar backgrounds, to contribute to the community while pursuing their career goals.

“As a former customer, I’ve witnessed firsthand the positive impact The Little Gym can have on both children and their parents,” said Eraña. “When I started considering opening my own location, I realized there was nothing like it in the area. After talking to local moms, they all agreed that this would be a fantastic addition to their families.”

The Little Gym of Dripping Springs programs are designed to be a springboard for life’s adventures. Classes utilize movement-based learning and imaginative play to enhance coordination, listening, and intellectual skills. Popular options include Parent or Caregiver/Child classes, which allow parents to help their child explore motor and social-skill development, and preschool and grade school gymnastics classes that teach students tumbling and apparatus techniques while using positive motivation as a learning tool. The Little Gym of Dripping Springs also offers Awesome Birthday Bashes in a variety of themes that feature instructor-led games and music.

With nearly 400 locations across 31 countries, The Little Gym teaches kids social and physical skills appropriate to each stage of childhood by creating opportunities to experience achievement and build self-confidence. The core of the international franchise’s mission is becoming the foundation of a child’s development that will set them up for success. Through a proprietary philosophy called Three-Dimensional learning, programs foster growth in three holistic dimensions including physical, cognitive, and social/emotional learning. The core teaching methods create opportunities for children to experience achievement and build self-confidence.

The Dripping Springs gym will be open Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. You can reach them at (512) 501-4046 or visit https://www.thelittlegym.com/texas-dripping-springs/ to learn more about The Little Gym.