Best daycares in houston: Best Daycares in Greater Houston by Neighborhood

When do kids start preschool in Houston?

Most preschools start accepting kids around the age of 2.5 to 3 years old, but since every child is different, this isn’t a magic number. Preschool readiness really depends more on developmental factors than chronological age. Read more in our post here.

What’s the difference between preschool and pre-kindergarten?

Preschool programs are generally for children between the ages of 3 to 5 years old. Pre-kindergarten is for the higher end of that range, usually for children 4 to 5 years old. Pre-kindergarten is generally timed for the school year directly prior to when the child would enroll in kindergarten. Many pre-kindergartens are also usually attached to elementary schools, so families have a smooth transition to enroll in kindergarten the next year.

Is pre-k mandatory in Houston?

No. Preschool, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten are not mandatory in Texas. You can read more from the Texas Education Agency here.

What are my public school options for early education in Houston?

The Houston Independent School District (ISD) offers free, full-day pre-kindergarten to eligible 3 and 4 years olds across 166 elementary school locations in Houston. Preference for available slots is first given to 4 year olds. You can check out the eligibility criteria here for the free program. If you do not qualify for free pre-k, there is also a tuition-based option at these same schools. If all eligible students are enrolled, and slots remain open, you can apply for a tuition-based spot. The program costs $630.56 per month, for 9 months. You can see more FAQs on tuition-based options here.

What sort of license should I look for at a preschool in Houston?

Houston preschools are required to hold a child care license and are regulated by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. You can search for a school’s license on the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services’s website and see full inspections and reports from the last five years. There are some exemptions from a full child care license; faith-based preschools are notably exempt, as are preschools attached to a greater public or private elementary school (which are regulated via the school’s school age license).

How can I get my family financial assistance for child care in Houston?

Paying for child care is expensive, and Houston does provide options for families to receive financial assistance for care. In Harris County, aid is provided by Workforce Solutions, in partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission. You can check your eligibility and see instructions for applying for aid here. Financial assistance is subject to the program’s current funds, so exact benefit is hard to calculate in advance, but qualified families are encouraged to apply to get details on what assistance they can receive.

• 2022 cost guide for daycares & preschools near Houston, TX

• Daycare & child care near Houston, TX

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• Montessori preschools & child care near Houston, TX

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• Play-based preschools & child care near Houston, TX

• Reggio Emilia preschools & child care near Houston, TX

• After-school preschools & child care near Houston, TX

• Drop-in preschools & child care near Houston, TX

• In-home preschools & child care near Houston, TX

• Religious preschools & child care near Houston, TX

• Technology preschools & child care near Houston, TX

Parent Recommendations for Best Houston Preschools – JillBJarvis.

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Modified: Mar 5, 2022 by Jill Jarvis · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · #sponsoredpost · 16 Comments

Are you looking for the best Houston preschools?

To help you navigate through the school selection processes, below are reader recommended preschools in the Houston area!

This guide is intended to get you started in your search for a mother’s day out, preschool or bridge program. Details on hours/programs may change, so get the latest information by clicking the links and looking at the school websites.

If you have more suggestions for the best Houston preschools, please contact me at Jill @ BigKidSmallCity.com! 

JillBJarvis.com is not endorsing any of the schools and is not responsible for any problems. If you have a concern, please talk to the school directly.

To get JillBJarvis.com updates in your inbox, go HERE.

Listings below with “*” mean they were submitted by the school rather than a Houston parent. If you are a Houston parent and want to endorse the school, tell me!

Jump to:

• Parent Co-Ops:
• Montessori Schools:
• Schools/Early Childhood Centers:

Parent Co-Ops:

• Beehive Cooperative Preschool (West University Place)
  • Parent Co-op
  • 2 years & 8 months (by September 1) through 5 years old
  • AM Class & PM Class
  • On a parent’s work day, the parent and child arrive 15 minutes early and stay until all clean-up is completed.
• “Poe Co” Poe Cooperative Nursery School (Museum District, 5315 Main St, Houston, TX 77004)
  • Parent Co-op
  • 3 years old or 4 years old by September 1.
  • Playbased program that teaches through play.
  • Monday – Friday: 8:30am-12:00pm, 8:00am-3:05pm option available Monday through Thursday
  • On your parent helper day, the parent must arrive by 8:15am and stay until 12:00pm.

Montessori Schools:

• Montessori Country Day School (Museum District, 5117 La Branch St, Houston, TX 77004)
  • Infant through 6 years old
  • 7:00am-6:00pm, year-round
• Post Oak School (Bellaire, 4600 Bissonnet Street, Bellaire, TX 77401)
  • 14 months through 12th grade
  • Monday through Friday: 7:00am-6:00pm options
• St. Stephen’s School (Montrose, 1800 Sul Ross, Houston, Texas, 77098)
  • 18 months through 8th grade
  • Monday through Friday, 8:00am-2:45pm, with before and after school options.
• Wilson Elementary Montessori (2100 Yupon, Houston, TX 77006)
  • 4 year old preschool
  • Monday through Friday

Schools/Early Childhood Centers:

• Annunciation Orthodox School (Montrose, 3600 Yoakum Blvd, Houston, TX 77006)
  • 3 years old through either grade
  • 7:00am to 6:00pm options.
• Avalon Academy (1616 Indiana St, Houston, TX 77006)
  • 6 weeks to 4 year old preschool.
  • 7:00-4:00pm.
• Bear Creek United Methodist Church School (16000 Rippling Water Drive, Houston, Texas 77084)
  • 15 months through Kindergarten
  • 2, 3, 4, and 5 day option.
• Becker (1500 Sunset Blvd, Houston, Texas 77005)
  • Young toddler through preschool and kindergarten bridge program.
  • Extended day available.
  • Incorporates indoor and outdoor activity with quiet and active experiences that include Jewish customs and traditions, language arts, science, math, music, art, fine and gross motor play, health and safety, and social skills.
• Bethel Mother’s Day Out (Bethel Church, 825 Bering Drive, Houston, TX 77057)
  • 9 months through 5 years old
  • Thursdays & Fridays, 9:30am-2:30pm
• Blossom Heights (Westpark near Fondren, 8702 Lipan Road, Houston, TX 77063)
  • 18 months through preschool
  • Flexible hours Monday – Friday, Early drop-off begins at 7:30, daily, Preschool program from 8:30am until 2pm, 2, 3, or 5 days a week, After care until 5:30 pm.
• Chapelwood School for Young Children (11140 Greenbay, Houston, TX 77024)
  • 3 months to pre-kindergarten. Bridge program available.
  • School Day: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., 2 days a week to 5 days a week. After school activities available.
• Chrysalis Christian School (11522 Telge Rd Cypress, TX 77429)
  • 6 weeks to preschool.
  • 7:00-6:00pm options available.
• Crossing Boarders (Rice Village, King Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2353 Rice Blvd, Houston, TX  77005)
  • Spanish, Mandarin, French and English Preschool
  • 18 months through 5 years old. Before and Afterschool care for 5-12 year olds.
• Esperanza School (Rice Military/Heights,1100 Roy Street, Houston, TX, 77007)
  • 6 weeks through 5 years old.
  • Pre-School, Mother’s Day Out, Afterschool Programs, 6:30am – 6:00pm Options Available
• Faith Lutheran Day School (Bellaire, 4600 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire, TX 77401)
  • 3 years through Kindergarten, Kinder bridge available
  • Monday – Friday:  7:00am – 6:00pm
• Klein Weekday Ministries (Klein United Methodist Church, 5920 FM 2920, Spring, TX)
  • 18 months through 5 years old
  • Monday-Thursday: 9:00am-1:00pm, Friday: 9:00am-12:00pm
  • Kindergarten Bridge offered
• Our Savior Lutheran School (5000 W Tidwell Rd, Houston, TX 77091)
  • Preschool for 3 and 4 year olds. School is also K through 8th grade.
  • 9:00am to 2:00pm.
• Presbyterian School (5300 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77004)
  • Preschool (2 by January 1) through Middle School
  • Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 6:00pm options
• Rainard, Gifted & Talented (11059 Timberline Rd, Houston, TX 77043)
  • Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade. 
  • Houston’s only nonprofit, private school for gifted children.
  • Monday-Friday: 8:15am to 12:30pm
• The Regis School (7330 Westview Dr, Houston, TX 77055)
  • All Boys.
  • PreK 3 and 4.
  • 8:00am-3:00pm with extended day options.
• River Oaks Baptist School (River Oaks, 2300 Willowick Rd  Houston, TX 77027)
  • 2 years old through 8th grade.
  • Pre-Kindergarten is 8:15am-11:45am with an option for 7:30am-3:15pm.
• School for Little Children (Bellaire United Methodist Church, 4417 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire, TX 77401)
  • Preschool: Turning 3 and 4, 2-5 days/week 9-12 (with stay and play option until 2 on select days)
  • NAEYC, MDO 15 mo-30 mo, 2 days/week 9-12 and 9-2
• School of the Woods (1321 Wirt Road, Houston, Texas 77055)
  • 2. 5 years through high school
  • Monday – Friday:  7:00am – 6:00pm options available.
• Spanish School 4 Kids (215 West 23rd. Houston, TX 77008)
  • Offers instructional immersion and dual language programs.
  • Ages 2-4 (plus a Kindergarten program). Instructional time is from 9 – 2 P.M. Extended time is from 8 – 9 A.M. and from 2 – 5 P.M.
• St. Catherine’s Montessori (Timberside Dr near 610, 9821 Timberside, Houston, Texas 77025)
  • 14 months through 9th grade
  • Toddlers: Monday-Friday, 8:15am-11:30am, Primary: Monday-Friday, 8:15am-3:15pm, Extended Day until  6:00pm
• St. Frances Episcopal Day School (Memorial, 335 Piney Point Rd, Houston, TX 77024)
  • 18 months to 8th grade
  • Monday – Friday, extended care until 6:00pm.
• St. Martin’s Episcopal Preschool (St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Galleria, 717 Sage Road, Houston, TX 77056)
  • 12 months through 5 years old
  • Monday – Friday, 8:30am-2:30pm
  • Kindergarten Bridge offered
• St. Paul’s School (Museum District, 5400 Fannin, Houston, TX)
  • 6 months through kindergarten
  • 9:00am – 2:30pm, extended day 8:00am – 4:00pm.
• Strawberry Fields of Learning (902 Marina Bay Dr, Kemah, TX 77565)
  • Walking to 6 years old.
  • Up to 5 days a week. 9:00am to 3:45pm, with extended day available.

If you have more suggestions for the best Houston preschools, let us know!

About Jill Jarvis

Jill Jarvis is the owner of JillBJarvis.com, a BigKidSmallCity.com and Things to Do in Houston, with Kids, blog!

She is the mom of 4 and started the website years ago… when she was tired of constantly cleaning up the same mess in the family room.

Another mom showed her that you could just go do fun things in Houston, without hours of planning.

This inspired the blog and changed everything about how she enjoyed life in Houston, with kids!

Reader Interactions

THE Top 10 Daycares in Houston, TX | Affordable Prices

Daycares in Houston, TX

Description:

At Discovery Kids Academy of Greater Houston, we are committed to providing a quality learning community for children and families. Through a diverse and well-rounded schedule of daily activities, we ensureyour child develops the vital verbal, social, and emotional skills to be prepared to engage as the leaders of tomorrow.
Our teachers love working with children and have the skills and certification to support their development. From reading and numbers to music and crafts, each day is filled with age-appropriate activities that are both enriching and fun.
Discovery Kids Academy of Greater Houston is committed to low staff to pupil ratios in order to provide:
– Individual attention.
– Activities designed to meet the differentiated needs of each student.
– The stability of familiar faces each day.
– Careful monitoring of hand washing, helping to better prevent the spread of colds and flu.
And we provide the same types of activities as larger preschools:
– Age-appropriate activities including music, yoga, science, technology, mathematics, reading, Spanish classes and crafts.
– Developmentally appropriate educational toys and playground equipment to ensure children are engaged. …

Description:

We believe that children thrive in an environment which values their own uniqueness, while providing support and opportunities to grow emotionally, socially and creatively. By building on each child’sstrengths, interests and curiosities, we guide each child to explore the world around them as well as develop new abilities and form close relationships….

Description:

Turning Pointe Ministries School for the Performing and Creative Arts is a Performing Arts Private School and Outreach program that targets youth in the community in order to support academic, physical andemotional support through the arts as well as outside activities. Turning Pointe Ministries works with children from ages 2-23. The private school accepts students from ages 2 to 17 to provide developmental skills professional performing arts training in dance, music, Drama and art as well as prepare the child for grades K-12. Turning Pointe Ministries also focuses on providing the child with spiritual and emotional support. Classes include academic and critical thinking courses, bible studies, and performing arts classes which include creative movement. Turning Pointe Ministries is focused on all aspects of the child’s development as well as intervening in a positive way to create leaders and successful students in the future. Turning Pointe Ministries also offers an After School Program for ages 6-17 that provides Tutoring, Mentoring, Performing Arts Classes, Bible Studies, Field Trips, College Tours and more! Early Registration For 2017 is Now Open!…

Principrin School

2931 W 12th Street, Houston, TX 77008

Starting at $1360/mo

Description:

Our school is managed by parents who know the importance of leaving their children in a safe place able to provide them with the best care.
At Principrin School, our program is centered on teaching humanvalues. We integrated a formal values-based education into our program by using the CORE ESSENTIAL VALUE curriculum. We also place great emphasis on the need for children to be active. This is why we have designed a child-centered experience that helps each little student to develop at his or her own pace. We will always foster our children s desire to explore and learn.
Principrin School has proudly partnered with the reknown MOTHER GOOSE TIME curriculum which has over 30 years of experience and meets all the standards on childhood education .
For parents’ convenience, we work extended hours, Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM….

Description:

Welcome to Houston Heights Childcare! We are so much more than a place where you drop your children off. In fact, our mission is to give each child a unique learning experience so that they are able to developtheir curiosity, imagination, independence, and resourcefulness in a safe and stimulating environment.
We believe that early childhood education is very important to each child’s future. That’s why we make sure the children receive a curriculum that’s structured yet filled with play and makes learning fun. We promise to make every effort to exceed your expectations for your child both academically and socially. You’ll also find that we take the time to build trusting relationships with each child and family….

Description:

Educating children to be the light of the world!

St. Mark’s CDC

600 Pecore Street, Houston, TX 77009

Costimate: $144/wk

Description:

St. Mark’s CDC is a play-based preschool, utilizing Reggio Emilia inspired practices. Ideal candidates are able to work cooperatively within a team environment, work with children and families in a loving waythat stresses relationship building, and meet minimum education and experiential requirements….

Primrose School

3 Greenway Plaza, Houston, TX 77046

Costimate: $158/wk

Description:

Primrose School at Greenway Plaza offers child care and preschool programs for children 6 weeks to 5 years old in Houston. Primrose provides a safe and nurturing environment where children thrive.

Description:

At Happy Angels Daycare and Development Center we have committed to making the world a better place through our children; to love every child in our care; to educate children in the areas of social andemotional, physical, sensory motor, language and early literacy, and creative development.We are committed to building a solid reputation in our community for doing all of the above.
Our Program offers developmentally appropriate lessons and activities for ages 6 weeks to 12 years old. That includes group lessons as well as individual lessons.
We provide delicious home cooked meals for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack.
We use BrightWheel, an interactive preschool app for daily online communications.
We have a Safe and Secure Facility
Our well trained and loving teachers will care for your little ones as you are family….

Description:

A day care center in Houston, TX

Description:

Turning Pointe Ministires School is a performing arts faithed based organization that provides performing arts courses, mentoring, and tutoring for students preschool and K-12

Description:

We at Bayou Village School offer a holistic approach to academic excellence that:
– respects the wonder of childhood.
– preserves children s passion for learning.
– allows the children to develop a strongconnection with nature.
– fosters the development of children’s imagination and creativity.
The Waldorf curriculum fulfills these criteria.
Bayou Village School is a community of parents, educators and other area members who share the goal of establishing an accredited Waldorf school in Central Houston. We currently offer an Early Childhood program and Elementary Grades 1 – 5. We are a licensed childcare facility by the State of Texas and are a developing member of the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America.
Being a school located in a city as international as Houston, our community is diverse and made up of families from across Texas, other cities from around the United States and countries beyond, including China, India, Australia, Mexico and England. Some families live near the school, while others drive into town from the outer Houston areas including Kingwood, Sugar Land and Katy. With this tapestry of backgrounds and culture we are a vibrant community sharing different customs and traditions among families. We support each other and share common ground in our desire to raise our children in the warm, nurturing environment Bayou Village School provides.
Our campus has several classrooms, an active gardening program and a lovely outdoor play space located 5 minutes North of downtown Houston and east of the Heights neighborhood. We are located inside the City of Houston Loop 610 and conveniently off the Hardy Toll Road for those families who live in Spring, The Woodlands and other northern areas….

Description:

We are a private school serving ages 2- grade 8th. We offer empowerment-based education from an African-centered;global minded approach.
Our curriculum is a multi-faceted plethora of arts,music, digitallearning and much more….

Description:

Established in 1979, Mo-Ranch Summer Camp has a long standing tradition of excellence. We offer a full traditional summer camp experience, while also offering a strong faith based program. Mo-Ranch hasincredible facilities and is located along the headwaters of the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country, giving us ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. We are a co-ed camp that serves ages 8-15, and has a growing Counselor-In-Training program for our older campers of 15& 16. Our sessions include 5-one week sessions, 1-two week session, 2-one week Wilderness Camp sessions, and 2-three week Leaders-In-Training and Counselor-In-Training programs….

Description:

“We Practice Etiquette In Everything We Do!” We are Open 24 Hours- Monday-Saturday!

Description:

We are a home preschool located in Katy, TX, offering the best learning program for your child! We have monthly themes, and daily activities that will engage your child in the wonders of learning. We workdiligently to prepare your little one for their future….

Esperanza School

1100 ROY ST BLDG A, Houston, TX 77007

Starting at $2175/flat

Description:

The Esperanza School in Houston, Texas offers full day, half-day, and Saturday night childcare programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. They stimulate the children’s cognitive, social, emotional andphysical growth to develop their talents and capabilities. They also provide ancillary (Spanish and music) and summer camp programs. Part-time programs are from eight-thirty in the morning to two-thirty in the afternoon….

Description:

Established in 1996, Montessori Country Day School in Houston, Texas is an educational facility serving children ages twelve months to twelve years. They offer childcare and extended before and after schoolprograms. Operating hours are weekdays, from 7:00am to 6:00pm….

Description:

Poe Nursery School is a cooperative early childhood education facility that offers NAEYC-accredited learning programs for toddlers and pre-kindergarten kids. Based in Houston, Texas, the company’s services areopen to kids between the ages of three to five years old. The company follows the academic calendar of Poe Elementary School….

Showing 1 – 20 of 109

FAQs for finding daycares in Houston

In 2022 what type of daycare can I find near me in Houston, TX?

There are a variety of daycares in Houston, TX providing full time and part-time care. Some daycares are facility-based and some are in-home daycares operated out of a person’s home. They can also vary in the degree of education and curriculum they offer. Additionally, some daycares offer bilingual programs for parents that want to immerse their children in multiple languages.

How can I find a daycare near me in Houston, TX?

If you are looking for daycare options near you, start several months in advance of when you need care for your child. Care.com has 109 in Houston, TX as of September 2022 and you can filter daycares by distance from Houston or your zip code. From there, you can then compare daycare rates, parent reviews, view their specific services, see their hours of operation and contact them through the website for further information or to request an appointment.

What questions should I ask a daycare provider before signing up?

As you visit daycare facilities in Houston, TX, you should ask the providers what their hours are so you can be prepared to adjust your schedule for drop-off and pick-up. Ask what items you are responsible for bringing for your child and what items you may be required to provide that will be shared among other children or the daycare staff. Also, make sure to check directly with the business for information about their local licensing and credentials in Houston, TX.

90,000 US preschools in 2022: 90,001 90,002
Author Aleksey Pitelin Reading 7 min Views 2.8k. Published 07/01/2022

Contents

1. Features of American Kindergartens
2. Classification of Preschools
3. Private Kindergartens in the USA
4. How much does a daycare cost?
5. US public day care
6. US home day care
7. Church kindergartens in the USA
8. Child welfare
9. History of early kindergartens in the USA
10. Who can be a kindergarten teacher?
11. How can a Russian citizen open a kindergarten in the USA?

Every parent once has to think about the education of their child. This is a very important issue that requires a special approach. With schools, everything seems to be clear, because secondary education is mandatory almost all over the world. But what about preschool?

To take your child to kindergarten or not is the decision of the parents only.

And many people decide to send their child to a preschool. There are only two drawbacks: lack of seats, or too much cost. This often interferes and forces parents to abandon such an idea.

A child born in the United States of America immediately becomes a citizen of that country. And, as far as education is concerned, he is allowed absolutely free of charge to be in public kindergartens and study in the same school institutions.

Unfortunately, kindergartens and schools offered by the US government do not accept foreign children. This means that a child who is not a citizen of the United States or is not a permanent resident of the country is only allowed to visit private institutions. Where is pre-school and primary education obtained (this number may include children from 5 to 14 years old, namely, to the eighth grade).

Every US school will issue an F-1 visa to any child in order to attend preschool, elementary, or middle school.

American Kindergarten Features

Children three to six years of age have access to preschool education at any designated center.

In some States, after the end of this period, all children are given special Certificates that contain data on attendance, behavior and other important achievements of the child.

Some States even ask to see such a Certificate before enrolling a new student in primary education. Verification is usually carried out with the help of the local Department of Education.

Classification of preschools

In America, the entire preschool education system is divided into just a few categories. Both of them give children the opportunity to engage in unique programs tailored specifically for them, depending on their ages. Each educational institution is further subdivided into some categories.

Private kindergartens in the US

Private kindergartens in the US are more popular and widespread than any other, including in [year]. More than sixty percent of the country’s children go to them. In such institutions, lesson scenarios are quite diverse, food is thought out and much more that kids need.

It is not uncommon for such an establishment to have its own bus designed to carry children. On such transport, groups of children go on excursions and other trips.

Private buses can also be used for another service.

If the parents of some school-going children are at work until late in the evening, the kindergarten is able to take the child under their care for a while.

He will be under care until his parents pick him up. And, just the same, kindergarten transport is required to move from school to kindergarten.

How much does it cost to stay in a kindergarten?

The cost of a year’s full-time daycare in the US ranges from $2,000 to $8,000. In some places, such as New York, the price can reach up to thirty-five thousand.

A full day most often starts at nine in the morning and ends at a quarter to three in the afternoon. If you plan to add the time of stay, for example, from eight to nine in the morning, or until six in the evening, then the price is calculated and paid separately from the main one.

Public kindergartens in the USA

These establishments are not as popular as the previous ones. This is due to the fact that public kindergartens in the United States have a fairly large number of inconveniences. The most important thing is the fullness of the groups.

Due to the fact that there are too many children, not everyone is given due attention and care.

Real Americans do not perceive state institutions also because there is a huge influx of foreign applicants. For example, migrant African Americans, dysfunctional families.

Home based day care centers in the USA

Home day care centers are becoming more and more popular every year. As a rule, such are arranged immediately in residential buildings, with the help of redevelopment of some rooms and playgrounds on the street.

You will also need a certificate of ability to provide first aid in emergency situations, as well as compliance with all requirements.

Home kindergartens can be large or small. Secondly, there cannot be more than a dozen guys if their number corresponds to their age, as well as the number of adult employees. In large kindergartens there are up to twelve children. At the same time, the standards are also observed.

According to statistics, more than ten percent of parents opt for home institutions rather than others.

Church kindergartens in the USA

Americans trust such kindergartens most of all and highly value church preschool education. This is because most of the people who send their children to such establishments rely on employees. Knowing that the employees of these institutions are believers, parents believe that no problems or disasters will occur.

Children who stay in the kindergarten all day long eat food brought from home.

It will not be possible to reheat food, and this can be a disadvantage in some cases. If the child does not stay in the kindergarten until the evening, but leaves during the day, he is still present at dinner and eats his own food.

Especially for parents who are interested, a list of what the children did during a certain period is posted. In addition, the menu is presented daily, where all the dishes that will be prepared that day are listed.

Conditions for children

Every semester, an assessment is held to test the child’s basic knowledge. If some children pass through the level of development, have a desire approved by their parents, then they can be transferred to the older group.

Food is not always provided by the kindergarten, and you need to bring it from home.

Payment for the year does not change, even if the child does not appear in the garden on a certain day. Therefore, parents who do not want to lose paid stay take their children away even if they are ill.

And only when the temperature exceeds thirty-eight degrees, parents can take the child home at the request of the staff. According to the law, you cannot return to the kindergarten the next day. Returning earlier than a day is possible only with the permission of the doctor.

The History of the First Kindergartens in the US

The first Kindergarten began in the US in the mid-nineteenth century. Organized by German immigrants. At first, institutions were created only for German children. However, thirty years later, everything changed, and the number of establishments began to grow.

Another reason for the spread of kindergartens was the rapid and continuous growth of residents in cities. There were more children who had nowhere to go during the working day of their parents.

The first kindergartens were built for charity. Children from poor families were given food, clothes, shoes and other things.

By the beginning of the 20th century, kindergartens were located and actively used in all major cities.

At the same time, the creation of preparatory institutions at secondary school organizations began.

Who can be a kindergarten teacher?

To earn this position, you will need a teacher education. Specialized educators are required to understand psychology, to understand how to educate children of younger preschool ages.

In addition to having knowledge, skills are also required.

So, for example, an experienced kindergarten teacher in the United States will quickly understand the emotional state of the child and figure out what he needs.

How can a Russian citizen open a kindergarten in the USA?

In America, the business of opening mini-kindergartens for a short period of time is widely known. This activity is in demand and, according to the researchers, in the future it will only become more popular and more widespread.

All because about eighty-five percent of the country’s inhabitants working somewhere are family people. And almost half of them have children who have not yet reached the age of majority.

Small kindergartens are usually located in private apartments or houses. The hostess of the dwelling often becomes a teacher and takes under temporary guardianship from two to five children. One hour of such a nanny will cost 15-50 dollars.

At the same time, the baby will receive a lot of care and attention. The price depends on the density of the program for the child. The more interesting and voluminous it is, the higher the price.

Kindergarten in the USA

In addition, you can download the USAPROSTO RU app from the Google Play Store and stay up to date with the latest news about the US and Europe https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id= com.wUSAPROSTORU_14449405

Kindergartens in the USA: how they differ from Russian ones and how much they cost

“Bell” – I remember a kindergarten with that name. I used to go there when I was little. And I went literally: at the age of 4, my parents calmly sent me to kindergarten alone – fortunately it was not far away. Since I was small, I don’t know what was needed to get into such an institution near the house. Now they joke about Russian kindergartens that you have to get in line for him when the child is only in the “project”. Of course, there are also private gardens, but not everyone can afford them, and they are not very common. This system of child education is fundamentally different from the American.

There are no public kindergartens in the USA, only private ones. Anyone can take care of the younger generation by collecting documents and opening a private institution. True, there are budget gardens for those who do not have money. The monthly fee for the maintenance of a child there is small or non-existent. But to get into such a kindergarten, you need documentary evidence of low income, and there are always not enough places there, and the stay of children is also not the best.

Private kindergartens are another matter. Most of them are in America. And families have to use their services, because under American law it is forbidden to leave a child at home alone until the age of 12. The postman, courier, even friendly neighbors may well “squeal”, and at the same time they will consider that they are doing you a favor, fulfilling their civic duty. Parents may be fined, or they may raise the issue of deprivation of parental rights. So kindergartens in America are in great demand, and the business of opening them is very popular.

To open a home kindergarten, you need to rent a house (or use your own), collect a package of documents, survive the onslaught of several inspections that will confirm the place is safe for children, take an orientation course, and also obtain a license. When renting, be sure to notify the owner of your intentions and obtain permission from him.

According to the law, if there are no more than 6 children in the kindergarten, then it is not necessary to notify the owner. But in practice, if you want to maintain good relations and rent a house for a long time, it is better to negotiate with the owner. Unfortunately, not all owners agree to rent a house for such a purpose, but they can be understood: either a family of 4-5 people lives, or a gang of 8-10 tomboys rush around the house.

As a rule, such a kindergarten has several zones: for games, for sleeping, for eating. Well, if there is a backyard for walking.

There are American, Russian, Spanish, Chinese and other kindergartens, and they have different nuances that are inherent in the culture of these countries. Many Russian-speaking mothers seek to arrange a child in a Russian kindergarten, and there are several reasons for this. Firstly, such a kindergarten is as close as possible to the Soviet type to which we are accustomed. Secondly, Russian and English are used more often in such kindergartens, which allows children not to forget their native language.

Thirdly, the stay of children in such a kindergarten is different from the American standard. For example, local kindergartens often do not provide any food – children dine with what their parents put in or eat some kind of snacks. Daytime sleep in American kindergartens terrifies Russian mothers: children sleep in clothes and shoes on some thin rugs thrown right on the floor.

In Russian kindergartens, children usually expect a full hot meal, beds to sleep in and discipline. Therefore, there are often no places in them, and you need to get on the waiting list in advance, especially if the kindergarten has positive reviews and a good reputation. I know families where whole generations of children went to the same Russian kindergarten. In small groups, there is usually no age difference: both toddlers and older children are together.

“And how much does all this pleasure cost,” you ask? Depends on the state, educational programs, the prestige of the area and other factors. In particular, in California, namely in San Francisco and the Bay area, this is an expensive pleasure – $ 1,200-$ 1,600 per month, and this is an average.

There is also the possibility of a partial stay: half a day or several days a week. The full price usually includes stay from 8 (9) am to 5- (6) pm. Each kindergarten builds its own schedule, and for some reason it never coincides with the standard working schedule of parents. How many times have I seen mom or dad rush headlong out of the office in order to have time to pick up the baby. For being late, they will usually charge an extra payment: $ 1 per minute, or whoever is in what much.

The price also depends on what the kindergarten specializes in and what the parent offers. In some, it is only about looking after the child. They say there are kindergartens where teachers with children only watch TV shows all day long. In other kindergartens, they study drawing, music, reading, and on holidays they take children on excursions. Of course, prices in such places will differ. The price also depends on the age of the baby: for the smallest, kindergartens are called DayCare, they take from 6 weeks to 2-3 years old, Preschool – for children from 3 to 5 years old and the last step – Kindergarden – a preparatory class before school. It is clear that there is more trouble with babies: from feeding to changing a diaper – accordingly, the stay will cost more.

The correct and good kindergarten is usually searched for by recommendations, sometimes they turn to reviews on Yepl. An important factor is the remoteness of the kindergarten from home, it is illogical to take a child for an hour and a half even to the most beautiful kindergarten. I know people who have regretted more than once that they did not choose a kindergarten closer. Still, it is better to spend this extra hour with your family, and not on the road. What do you think?

How are kindergartens organized in the USA?

Lunch for children is not cooked in the garden, but brought by parents in a thermos, children sleep on the floor dressed and shod. If a parent is 15 minutes late to pick up their child, they will be fined $20. For each subsequent minute, $1 is added. This is not all the horrors that I heard about American kindergartens before moving here. Let’s figure out what’s what.

Firstly, a kindergarten in the US is not an institution that is necessary to attend, hence the huge number of them and competition. A child can be sent to kindergarten from 6 weeks, because the concept of a decree as a leave for pregnancy, childbirth and caring for him among Americans is completely far from ours. These are not paid months and years of sitting at home, but a matter of weeks. The employer is waiting for a new mother in 4-6 weeks after the birth of the baby. And then the parents are looking for a solution – to stay at home with the child until school (4-5 years old), look for a nanny (about $ 2,000 for her services) or a kindergarten (from $ 1,200 per month). It all depends on family income. Often mothers stay at home and look after their children themselves, if almost all of their salary goes to a nanny or a nursery, they see no point in going to work. But if the mother earns well and wants to grow professionally, the child goes to day care.

As I said, there are a huge number of types of kindergartens in the States. But all of them are subject to strict state control and licensing. You have passed the control and meet the standards – you can open a garden even on the territory of your own home. The gardens accept kids from 6 am and can look after the child around the clock.

The quality of services depends on how much you are willing to pay for them. Some part of the population is content with a standard kindergarten for $1200, someone can afford to pay amounts from $5000.

Ordinary child care facility does not include breakfast and lunch cooking, parents bring food in thermoses and lunch boxes. And this is not from the laziness of the kindergarten workers, but from the fact that children often suffer from allergies and kindergarten workers protect themselves from millions of lawsuits. It happens, of course, that food is still offered to children, but again it all depends on your payment. Microwave pizza and a glass of milk for less money and a full meal with soups and snacks for more money. Americans bring up independence in children, children are encouraged when they pour themselves juice or milk. They also learn to go to the toilet on their own. Sometimes it goes to extremes when the child just pisses in his pants just because the teacher thought that he himself could serve himself. Therefore, it is necessary to negotiate on the shore. Since the kindergartens are not territorially tied, parents themselves choose the staff and conditions, figuring out the methods of education before giving their child to strangers for the whole day.

It is also necessary to find out if educational games are supposed to be in this institution, since not all kindergartens will learn letters and numbers: someone simply provides food and safety for children, and someone is seriously engaged in educating kids using different methods. You can find Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Montessori gardens, all of them are selected according to the characteristics and preferences of the child.

One thing unites all American gardens – children sleep dressed and on the floor. That is, not quite on the floor, often very low beds, with almost no legs, or sleeping mattresses. This is primarily due to the fall of children, again, no one wants to be condemned by their parents. Secondly, full-fledged beds take up too much space, and folding beds are unknown to Americans, and if they were known, they would not be approved by the state because of the load on the spine. The practice of putting children to bed is due to frequent natural disasters in America. It is easier and safer to take out the pupils, already dressed and shod, than in a panic to pull the undressed children out of the burning building, for example. The Americans themselves are normal about sleeping on the floor in clothes, they generally have a very simple approach to education. But on local forums, once a month, a cry is heard from a fresh immigrant mother from a post-Soviet republic. For such parents and for such parents in America there is a special kind of kindergarten: the Russian kindergarten. Natives of the CIS recreate the spirit and atmosphere of a Soviet educational institution – with cereals for breakfast, borscht for lunch, sleeping in pajamas on ordinary beds. Educators read fairy tales to children, wipe their noses and priests, in general, they behave like in their homeland. There is nothing bad in this, just as there is nothing good. Well, at least they don’t beat them with wet rags and don’t put them in a corner.

Speaking of punishments. This usually happens if the child poses a threat to other children, for example, after asking not to hit another child, he continues to hit him. Children are punished in kindergartens by sitting on a chair for one minute during the year. They talk to him, explain, if the child continues to behave in this way, the teacher informs the parents. Parents themselves can watch what is happening in the surveillance cameras, if the garden provides for their installation.

The responsibility for the child of the parents to the state in the United States is simply enormous. Bad attitudes towards children can be reported to special social services by the child himself, as well as by neighbors, teachers, and caregivers. One of the signs of bad “parenting” is that a child is taken from kindergarten much later than the agreed time. First, every minute of being late is subject to a fine of a certain amount, and in repeated cases, the teacher reports to the police and guardianship services, and this option is very, very serious. The baby can be transferred to a foster family if it turns out that the biological parents do not take care of him.

There are no parent-teacher meetings in American kindergartens, this concept is generally alien to Americans. All the necessary information for parents is sent to them by mail or is said at a personal meeting. There are no matinees to which we are accustomed, celebrations are held without special preparation and very directly.

America is a large country, and there are hundreds of thousands of kindergartens, hence the huge variations in the approach to raising children. But the most important thing for American parents is the confidence in the safety of the child, that he is dry, fed and under supervision. As, however, for all parents of the world.

RUSSIAN KINDERGARTEN OPENED IN HOUSTON – Our Texas – Russian Newspaper in Houston, Dallas, San-Antonio, Austin, Texas

The question of how to preserve the Russian language among immigrant children has been the subject of a very long-standing dispute. Some believe that the faster the child will join the new environment, the easier it will be psychologically for him. Others are sure that the Russian language will not be useful to their children in life, “so why suffer in vain.” Still others would like to be able to speak with children in their usual, native language, but the work that needs to be done for this seems overwhelming. The fourth, on the contrary, sparing no effort and time, teach their children to read by syllables, and then they read Russian books with them and speak only Russian at home.

It’s no secret that the majority of children who grew up in America from completely Russian-speaking families and, moreover, from bilingual families, do not speak Russian. Why?
For the first time, a child is in direct contact with anyone other than the family in kindergarten. In America, with the advent of kindergarten, English very quickly becomes dominant for the child. If the baby does not receive help in the development of native speech, the native language begins to weaken, get lost. Very soon, the child begins to lack words, expressions, language structures in his native language, the language of his parents, grandparents.

Psychologists say that the most favorable time for the development of a language (both native and foreign) is before the age of 6 years. This age is great for learning a language by “immersing” in the language environment of communication. At the same time, children do not overexert themselves, since this method corresponds to the natural process of mastering the language, which everyone goes through in childhood.

How to immerse a small child in such a “tongue bath”? The most natural way is to place it in a Russian-speaking environment, i.e. to a Russian kindergarten.

Today, Russian kindergartens are very popular in America. In New York, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas and many other cities where a sufficient number of the Russian-speaking population lives.

This is the first such kindergarten in Houston.

We’re talking to Maria Levina, founder of the Mashenka Russian Kindergarten in Houston.

Tell us how your project started?

In 2009, my family, husband, and 11-year-old daughter and I ended up in Houston. In September 2010, our second girl was born. Having coped a little with children’s everyday problems, we began to think about the time when we inevitably need to go to work, i.e. somewhere to put the baby. For many reasons, we want to keep the Russian language for our children. Firstly, it is our native language, and we treat it extremely carefully. Secondly, we have a huge number of childhood memories – books, films that we would like to share with our children. Thirdly (and maybe it should be “firstly”), we have an older generation, grandparents, great-grandmothers. They communicate with their grandchildren exclusively in Russian, and it seems to us that in no case should we interrupt the connection of these generations just because our children grow up in a different language environment.