Clayton serves communities of North Texas by providing quality programs that foster the emotional, social, and educational development of children, youth, and families. Our goal is to provide after school and summer day camp programs that prepare children to live great lives as community leaders, responsible and caring adults and effective members of the workforce.
Celebrating 50 Years of Impact:
In 2025, Clayton proudly celebrates 50 years of serving children and families across North Texas. Since 1975, we’ve remained dedicated to empowering growth and inspiring greatness in every child we serve. As we honor our history and mission, we’re excited to continue building brighter futures for the next generation. Learn More.Â
In 1975, the neighborhood around Lily B. Clayton Elementary in Fort Worth ISD was changing and the school was in danger of closing due to a decline in student enrollment. At the same time, many mothers were entering the workforce in the nearby Fort Worth Medical Center and were struggling to find safe, reliable childcare after school.
Determined to find solutions, a small group of parents and teachers from Lily B. Clayton collaborated with leaders in Fort Worth ISD to develop an after school program that would benefit children, families, and the school district. This program not only solved issues for parents and schools, but also created supportive community within the school. Only a few short years later, another Fort Worth ISD school asked the newly formed nonprofit, Clayton Child Care to start a similar program and Clayton began to grow.
While we have grown from one campus to serving over 60, Clayton parents still serve on our Board of Directors and our commitment to building nurturing communities within our schools remains the same. Read more about what makes Clayton Youth Enrichment unique.
Explore our gallery to see cherished moments from Clayton Youth Enrichment’s history. These photos showcase the people, events, and memories that have defined our community over the past 50 years.
Lily B. Clayton Child Care Center opens in Ft. Worth ISD with 27 students
Services expand to Birdville ISD
Services expand to Keller ISD
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Partners with the Ft. Worth After School initiative
"Clayton Child Care" rebrands to "Clayton YES!" (Youth Enrichment Services)
Partners with Ft. Worth ISD to launch 21st Century Community Learning Centers
Became child care partner with Colonial PGA tournament
Receives 21st Century Learning Center grant to provide free programs at 10 Ft. Worth ISD schools
Founding Partner with One Safe Place for early learning initiatives
Receives second 21st Century Learning Center grant to provide free programs at 10 Ft. Worth ISD schools
Services expand to Crowley ISD
"Clayton Yes!" rebrands to Clayton Youth Enrichment
Pilots a Social Emotional Learning Initiative
Begins offering school-day enrichment programs
Services expand to Dallas County through a partnership with Trinity Basin Preparatory Schools
CEO Jason Ray co-chairs the Tarrant County School-Age Child Care Task Force
Provides child care for essential workers during critical times
Receives third 21st Century Learning Center grant to provide free programs at 9 Ft. Worth ISD schools
Clayton Community Center opens in Ft. Worth's Meadowbrook neighborhood
Expands early learning program with second location in Near Southside neighborhood
Celebrates 50 years of Preparing Children for Great Lives
Lily B. Clayton Child Care Center opens in Ft. Worth ISD with 27 students
Services expand to Birdville ISD
Services expand to Keller ISD
Â
Partners with the Ft. Worth After School initiative
"Clayton Child Care" rebrands to "Clayton YES!" (Youth Enrichment Services)
Partners with Ft. Worth ISD to launch 21st Century Community Learning Centers
Became child care partner with Colonial PGA tournament
Receives 21st Century Learning Center grant to provide free programs at 10 Ft. Worth ISD schools
Founding Partner with One Safe Place for early learning initiatives
Receives second 21st Century Learning Center grant to provide free programs at 10 Ft. Worth ISD schools
Services expand to Crowley ISD
"Clayton Yes!" rebrands to Clayton Youth Enrichment
Pilots a Social Emotional Learning Initiative
Begins offering school-day enrichment programs
Services expand to Dallas County through a partnership with Trinity Basin Preparatory Schools
CEO Jason Ray co-chairs the Tarrant County School-Age Child Care Task Force
Provides child care for essential workers during critical times
Receives third 21st Century Learning Center grant to provide free programs at 9 Ft. Worth ISD schools
Clayton Community Center opens in Ft. Worth's Meadowbrook neighborhood
Expands early learning program with second location in Near Southside neighborhood
Celebrates 50 years of Preparing Children for Great Lives
