KXAN - At one east Austin center, parents pay little to nothing for child care The Mariposa Family Learning Center in East Austin is a vibrant hub for child care, particularly highlighted during its weekly garden day, where children engage in hands-on activities. Parent Abdallah Teffert shares his positive experience, noting the center’s welcoming atmosphere and its vital role in his family’s life since moving from Algeria. Mariposa stands out as an essential resource in a “child care desert,” providing affordable care to families in the 78741 zip code, where subsidized options are scarce. With tuition costs kept low, it has become a lifeline for parents who would otherwise struggle to find affordable child care. Currently, Mariposa is operating at full capacity with 12 students, emphasizing its importance in a community where child care accessibility is critical.