© Katy Magazine - Katy, Texas 2007
December 01, 2006

By Erin Leigh Cook

The Case: New Parent, New Preschool

Top Five Clues to Consider
As a first time parent, the thought of having your child cared for by another individual is scary. You won’t be there to control Johnnie’s actions, you won’t see the gears clicking in Susie’s head and know what is coming next, but you have to trust that another person will protect and care for him or her as you would. That is why it is so important to do your homework when researching the right place for you and your child.

After talking to Katy parents about their experiences and getting to know some of our great preschools and daycare facility to see how many factors there are to question when considering the best environment for your child. After investigating a variety of options, several clues remained consistent as to what a parent needs to ask and look for when interviewing a new facility.

Clue #1: The Setup

Safety, Supervision, and Security
First and foremost for many of the parents was safety. In many of the preschools and daycares, the front door was locked and pass codes were needed to enter the building from one main access door. This level of safety was surprising and refreshing all at the same time. For many of us who grew up in neighborhoods where doors were left unlocked at night to our society now where you never can be safe enough, it was good to see the level of security these facilities take with our children. Hand and hand with the entry security it was the level of supervision that unfolds as you pass through that main door. Are teachers friendly, happy, and alert? Are the kids being supervised? Is there age appropriate equipment in each of the separate play areas? What are the teacher-child ratios within that facility to effectively supervise the children?

Clue #2: Consistency and Turnover

How Long Have the Teachers Worked There?
“Every teacher makes an effort to know the kids,” comments Kimberly Clark on her experience at Primrose School of North Mason Creek. Staff that knows who belongs and who doesn’t is an important part of security within a facility. “If you have a lot of turnover that usually signals a problem,” explains Charlene McDade, Assistant Director at A Child’s Reflection. Parents need to be aware for your child. “We like to say we prepare children for life, meaning we give them coping skills, problem solving skills, and we allow and encourage a great deal of independence…”shares Assistant Director of Cinco Cottage Montessori School, Sandy Jackson. If this sounds more like your child’s learning curve, than Montessori may be a great path for you and your child.

Understanding the foundational curriculum focused on at each facility will explain the type of environment your child will encounter. Pinnacle Curriculum, American Montessori Society (AMS), and Balanced Learning Curriculum are some examples of methodologies used here in the Katy area, so with a variety to choose from, you are bound to find the best fit for you and your child.

Clue #4: Parental Involvement

Open Door Policy
“If you don’t find a school that has an open-door policy, where you are welcome anytime that is a key indicator to look at,” states McLaughlin. “A school should be a partner with the parents and with many first time parents so much partnering is needed - not only for the parent’s sake, but particularly for the child.” Making a parent part of the process is the underlying foundation that creates a sense of consistency and comfort for any parent when deciding on the right preschool.

One way to benefit the child to the best possible extent is to be aware of what goes on at school and be a part of the everyday process. In many of the infant and toddler rooms within Katy facilities, parents receive a daily report to keep you aware of “Johnnie” or “Susie’s” activities throughout the day. Once the child graduates to the older classrooms, a portfolio of art work, activities, and achievements is a key indicator to tuning in to what happens when your not there and helps parents see continual improvement throughout the year.

Clue #5: Handling Special Needs

First and foremost for many of the parents was safety.
In many of the preschools and daycares, the front door was locked and pass codes were needed to enter the building from one main access door. This level of safety was surprising and refreshing all at the same time. For many of us who grew up in neighborhoods where doors were left unlocked at night to our society now where you never can be safe enough, it was good to see the level of security these facilities take with our children. Hand and hand with the entry security it was the level of supervision that unfolds as you pass through that main door. Are teachers friendly, happy, and alert? Are the kids being supervised? Is there age appropriate equipment in each of the separate play areas? What are the teacher-child ratios within that facility to effectively supervise the children?

PART TIME PRESCHOOLS

Bear Creek Baptist Church Mother’s Day Out & Preschool
5901 North Fry Road
281-859-7455

Child Enrichment Center at Kingsland Baptist Church
20555 Kingsland Blvd. 281-579-9232

Child’s Play at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church
1530 Norwalk
281-578-9332

CrossPoint Christian School
705 S. Westgreen Blvd.
281-398-6464

First Steps Preschool at Katy First Baptist Church
600 Pin Oak
281-391-1105

Grace Preschool at Grace Fellowship
2655 S. Mason Road
281-398-3412

Holy Covenant Child Development Center at Holy Covenant Methodist Church
22111 Morton Ranch Road
281-579-8687

Little People’s School at Katy First Methodist
5601 Fifth Street
281-394-6577

Memorial Lutheran Preschool & Kindergarten
5810 Third Street
281-391-0172

New Hope Child Development Center
1350 North Mason Road
281-492-8521

Our Little Saints
2001 Greenbush Road
281-395-4722

St. Bartholomew’s Preschool
5356 Eleventh Street
281-391-0839

St. Peter’s Early Childhood Development Center
20775 Kingsland Blvd.
281-492-0623

His Kids Weekday Preschool
Second Baptist Church
19449 Katy Freeway 713-365-3401

Tiny Treasures Preschool at Central Baptist Church
2855 Greenhouse Road
281-492-2689

Yellow Brick Road Preschool
5458 East Fifth Street
281-391-7606


FULL TIME PRESCHOOLS & CHILDCARE CENTERS

A Child’s Reflection
875 S. Fry Katy, TX
281-492-1229
www.achildsreflection.net

Childtime
3170 Fry Road
281-646-8330

Cinco Cottage Montessori School
23144 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
281-693-3300

Faith West Academy Preschool
2225 Porter Road
281-391-5683

Katy’s Early Childhood Enrichment Center
25403 Kingsland Blvd.
281-693-1999

Kidco Learning Center
2437 Fry Road
281-646-7600

Kids R Kids – Cinco Ranch
21955 Westheimer Parkway
281-828-2273

Kids R Kids – Green Trails
18150 Park Cypress
281-599-0079

Kindercare – Cinco Ranch
2650 Peek Road
281-395-2650

Kindercare – Clay Road
19510 Clay Road
281-550-1610

Kindercare – East Kingsland
19930 Kngsland Bvd.
281-398-9016

Kindercare – North Fry
2202 Fry Road
281-578-1415

Knowledge Beginnings
6130 South Fry Road
281-693-6556

Little Hands Big Hearts Daycare
1806 Avenue D, Suite 102
281-391-9509

Montessori House for Children
20625 Lakemont Bend Ln.
281-239-3400
www.montessorihouseforchildren.com

Primrose School of Cinco Ranch
1540 Peek Rd
281-693-7711
www.primroseschools.com

Primrose School of Kelliwood
2402 Westgreen Blvd
281-828-1600
www.primroseschools.com

Primrose School of North Mason Creek
21480 Park Row Blvd
281-492-7400
www.primroseschools.com

Scibbles Academy Montessori
940 South Fry Road
281-578-1505

The Learning Center at Word Lutheran Church
3700 South Mason Road
281-392-2273

Don't forget to tell them you saw their listing in Katy Magazine's Preschool & Childcare Guide.

Centers with web links denotes Katy Magazine advertisers. Thank you for your support!

Erin Leigh Cook who has lived in Katy with her son Connor, and husband Brent, for five years. She enjoys spending time with her family, as well as her three dogs, and tries to spend time relaxing on the lake or the patio when she gets the chance.

Submit your Katy news to editor@katymagazine.com.