School and Kid News

January 13, 2008

As you can probably tell from the content on this blog and the fact that I have time to do a blog like this, my wife and I don’t have kids at this time.

Because of this I feel this blog lacks information in one of the biggest aspects of Steiner Ranch: kids and schools. I am looking for someone who has information they would like to put up on this blog to the readers on those two topics. If you are interested send me an e-mail at steinerranchinfo@gmail.com

administrative, Asking for help

Anonymous

My children attend Children’s Center of Austin. The director is leaving, and the staff seems to be talking about leaving as well. I haven’t been impressed with them since my children started attending a few months ago and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for childcare that is local to Steiner? I heard a rumor that a montessori school is opening in the community, does anyone have any information?

MOM

Hello….I am a mother of two, a former resident of Steiner for 7 years. I am also a Preschool Teacher. I taught at THE CHILDREN’S COURTYARD AT RIVERPLACE. What a horrible place this is. I taught there for over a year. What i saw was sad and pathetic. The director is all to blame. She is just plain cruel. She will combine children of all ages and put them in a room together. You won’t even know that your 2 year old was with 5 year olds for half the day. At then end of the day your precious little preschooler will be lumped with the school age children. Hearing all kinds of conversations that they should not hear yet. There is never enough food. The portions are so small the poor kiddos are starving. The menu and what is served is never the same. Afternoon snack might not come till almost 3:30. When it finally does come. Your child will not get enough. As a mother (my kids are older-and not in daycare) I could not bare it any longer. I am at a wonderful palce now. My regret is that I didn’t leave sooner. Don’t make the mistake of sending your child here.

anonymous

we had our child at children’s center and recently moved to primrose school of 4 points. there is a long wait list as it seems that many parents are trying to pull their children out of the children’s center of steiner ranch and into other schools. primrose is great and they are in the process of being deemed as an accredited institution. children’s courtyard in river place is apparently better than children’s center (hard not to be) and kids r kids in lakeyway is apparently decent, too.
http://www.risingstarspreschool.com Rising Stars Preschool

My daughter currently attends Rising Stars Preschool. She loves it. Great teachers! Check it out.
ARS

My son attends Primrose of Four Points. There was a waiting list when he joined, but I called about once a week and they were ready to take him in about a month. It’s a great place.
Rick

I just talked with the owners of the new pre-school opening in the Shops at Steiner Ranch. They were very nice and open to talking to people in the community. Build-out should begin soon.

Rick
rnordin@cups-and-cones.com
266-2444
NFM

I would love to talk to the new pre school owners. Can you share their contact info?
NFM

Here is my email address
NFM

nicmartis@gmail.com
http://www.luckymom.com Kristine

Our son (age 4) attends Bluebonnet Montessori in Lakeway and loves it. We love it too.

We did try the Children’s Ctr of Austin at the Welcome center and were anything but impressed. Nice, clean facilities but something is terribly wrong with staffing as the turnover is ridiculous. What’s going on?
ARS

I am also interested in getting more information on the new pre-school opening in Steiner. Maybe Rick can get them to post some info.
Rick

My wife has contacted the owners to let them know about this blog so you’ll likely see some information on the school and ways to contact them soon.
Alicia

My name is Alicia Marker. My husband, Daniel, and I are opening a Montessori school in The Shops at Steiner Ranch this summer. Please feel free to contact us at alicia@schoolinthehills.com . We look forward to talking with you and sharing more about School in the Hills.
Anonymous

Rising Stars is owned by a Steiner Ranch family. They are nice people.
http://www.risingstarspreschool.com/ Kim

My daughter attends Rising Stars Preschool and loves it. Great teachers! The owners live in Steiner and also have young children. It is a terrific program and only a 10 minute drive.
Cara

I was very bummed to see that The Children’s Center here in Steiner got such bad reviews. I will be needing childcare for my infant in August. I was planning on taking her there b/c it’s just too convienient. Does anyone have any suggestions about infant (4 months) care around this area????
ARS

You should check out the the Primrose School, just off 2222, behind the JW Tumbles and the IBC Bank. My son goes there and we love it there.
Lindsey

My son and his best friend attend Mother’s Time Off, located in Canyon Glen in a woman’s house – she is simply wonderful and they learn so much and have such a great time. She has a great playscape in the back and she has them doing such fun science experiments, math, reading, etc.
http://sunriseprek.daycarematch.com Dorion

My name is Dorion DeMeyer. I am a certified teacher enrolling children ages 3-6 in my in-home pre-k program. If you’re wanting a very small home and literacy based program please call me anytime at 694-9995. I follow the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for pre-kindergarten so that your child is ready for kindergarten. I look forward to hearing from you.
CB

Any word on when the Montessori school will be opening in Steiner Ranch?
Bill

I heard it will be open sometime in July. Looks like the construction is underway.
MG

Children’s Courtyard in the River Place entrance is WONDERFUL. We have been there since they opened and temporarily tried a DIFFERENT Children’s Courtyard – but we NOT pleased at ALL. This location has been FABULOUS and my 2.5 y.o. son LOVES going to school every day!
ARS

If you don’t mind me asking, what is the weekly tuition for your son?
Julie

The Children’s Center of Austin has taken a complete turn around. Miss Carrie, the new director is amazing. Since she has started, the turnover is minimual. She strives to keep the lines of communication open and is always a breath of fresh air when you walk thru the door.
I recommend parents to tour or call and speak with her about your concerns.
http://www.justforfuncakes.com Robyn

While I am not writing on schools, I am writing on kids, or rather a service I would like to offer Steiner Ranch that focuses heavily on kids. I am a professional pastry chef. I have earned 2 degrees from 2 culinary schools all focusing on Baking and Pastry. My passion has always been cakes, specifically children’s cakes.

I would like to offer a specialty custom cake service specifically to the Steiner Ranch. As I am a resident here, I would offer free delivery at your convenience. Most of my cakes are geared specifically towards children’s themes. All decorations are hand crafted and edible!

Any feedback anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated.

http://www.justforfuncakes.com
Cara

Hello. I am in dire need of a well qualified person to care for my infant. I just thought I would post on here to see if anyone would recommend someone who would be interested in nannying. HELP!
Gabriela Pohl

I am offering CHILD CARE at my home in a loving and fun environment. I am a mother of 3 wonderful children, 7, 4 and 2-1/2. I am an experienced Spanish teacher for children. I speak Spanish and English to my children at home. My husband is an elementary school teacher as well. I offer child care whenever you need it. I could also help you before or after school. I live in Steiner. References available per request. 512-266-5875.
Amanda

Hi, I am a live-in NANNY here in Steiner Ranch for a 9 month old girl and we are looking for another family with an infant to do a nanny share with. I have over 8 years experience working with children of all ages, primarily newborns/infants. I am CPR and First Aid certified, clean background/criminal/driving records, and have a list of excellent references. If you or anyone you know is in need of childcare for an infant or toddler I would love to hear from you!
571-278-2945
mvible826@hotmail.com
Fieira Do Santos

Hello I’m new on this neighborhood, I’m scare about the bad review Children’s center of austin
in steiner got, plus I visited that facility is beautifull, but the people that was working, it doesn’t look professional. Somebody told me about the new Montessori, but I’m looking around the Steiner Ranch welcome center and I can’t founded, can somebody help me please.

I’m from Brazil and just got 3 months here, so I’m appreciate any hel.

Thanks

Fieira
anon

Fiera,

The Children’s Center has had a bad reputation, but in the last few months, they got a new director, new staff, and new programs. I’ve heard great things in the past few months. The Montessori School is in the plaza where the gas station, but in the lower part (you should see the play structure).
ARS

Also Primrose off FM 2222 and Sitio del Rio Blvd is great.
Julie

I assure you that the staff currently at the center are very professional. They treat their staff and children like family. It has really made a complete reocovery! The director has been with the company for over 8 years and really has her heart set on making it a happy place for children to learn. The Asst. Director and front desk staff are always so friendly and very helpful.
http://SteinerRanchInformationBlog Rammon

Well, I really feel sorry for my son, he stay 2 years in children’s center of austin. First year in toddllers area it was an amazing experince, good teacher, more than teacher she was a mom, but his second year it was a caos, different teacher every month and the new director probably is too young, so that means NO RESPONSABILITY. Now He is really happy in Montessori, with all his friens from the old school, because they move to montessori. definelly is a very good option
http://SteinerRanchInformationBlog carolina

Hello, Gabriela Pohl, can I have your phone, I need more information about your Residence Child care.

Thanks,

carolina
Janet Bolt

Dear Gabriela Pohl,

before I call your number, could I ask you the favor to write at my email address above about your activity ?

We just moved to Steiner Ranch (UT golf club) and we would be delighted if we could find a good local child care. We have a 22 months old girl, Kim.

Thanks in advance
Janet
Janet Bolt

opss…. maybe it will be helpful if I write my email address ))

janet.bolt@yahoo.com

sorry !
Josie Barker

Hi All,
My name is Josie Barker I also offer in home child care inside my home in Steiner ranch and would love to tell you more about myself along with providing you with my background check and references.
If interested please contact me @ 512-852-8172
or email me at j.barker87@yahoo.com.

I look forward to hearing from you!
Thank you,
Josie Barker
Looking4Nanny

Hello everyone
I was wondering if there was anyone out there would know or be willing to be a Nanny from Dec’09 for my girl will turn 1 year old.

We are looking for a Nanny who will come to our home in Steiner Ranch and be with the child for atleast 5 hours and be willing to read books, cook and take care of the baby. She sometimes sits on the computer and watch song vedios and also likes to watch video for 1/2 hr.

Would love to hear from someone out there who can meet our baby’s needs.

Thanks!
Looking4Nanny

Oops! Not Dec , Jan ’09

Thanks!
Lori

Looking for someone who would like to share an after-school nanny, your home or ours , doesn’t matter. I usually only need care until about 5pm after school. We have a 2nd grader at LWBE. If interested, send me email.
Lori

For above, email me at loriadowning@yahoo.com
Colleen

Looking for a full-time nanny for a 5 1/2 month old infant son beginning is mid-November. We are also willing to nanny share – our home or yours. If interested please let me know colleenreddy@aol.com
Jill

I am looking for someone to share our nanny. We need her M, W & F, so if you are in need of someone Tues/Thurs, please let me know. Our nanny is wonderful. She is CPR/First Aid certified. She has over eight years of experience and is wonderful with the children. I have a 3 year old and a 3 month old. She dances and plays with my 3 year old, takes them both to the park, reads to them, does fun activities with them and loves them as her own grandchildren. She has plenty of references to share, as well. Please let me know if you are interested.
Thanks!
mayra

hello, my name is mayra, I’m babysitter with good references, CPR certified. More information santiluji@yahoo.com
Lori

I am new to Steiner and was hoping to here your thoughts on The Children’s Center and School in the Hills. I have 3 year old and want to be pick the right school. Thank you.
anon

I absolutely LOVE the Children’s Center. My kids are only 2, but they learn so much and I always have to bribe them to get them out of there. There’s a schedule handed out every week. Last week This was the lesson plan:

Theme: Literature
Virtue: Honesty
Topic: Folklore
Language: P,Q,R
Science: Shadows & Light
Social Studies: Black History Month
Math: Matching

The days are broken up into Circle Time, Lauguage/Spanish, Math & Music Movement, Arts & Crafts, Science & S0cial Studies, and Gym time.

The kids already have computer time to get familiar with them and they start teaching Photoshop when they’re 4.

I always peek in for a minute before they see me and they are so engaged and happy.
anon

I was interested in enrolling my 19 month old in school.I recently heard that the the Montessori is only taking 3 years and up and that there is turn over again with the director at The Childrens Center. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thank you.
Bill

Unless the Montessori is filled then they will take 18 months and up. We love it there. You should call and check it out!
Melissa

Are you looking for a FT or PT program? Our daughters go to Lake Travis United Methodist Church Preschool on 620, and we (me and the kids) love it. They have programs starting at 18 months, but they are 2 days a week from 9:00-1:00.
anon

There’s no turn over at the Children’s Center – what are you referring to? It’s great!
http://www.tutortimecanyoncreek.com Tamara Berke

Hi everyone! I am the owner of the new Tutor Time Canyon Creek. We are located right behind Canyon Creek Church at the corner of Boulder Lane and 620. We opened in February and would love everyone to stop by for a visit any time. We offer infant through after-school care and will be picking from the Steiner Elementary schools. Please call me! I would love to let you know about our wonder new school! 249-9191
anon

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again – we LOVE CCOA. They have been going there for over a year and had the same teacher the whole time. Miss Lanette is the best! My kids are not even two and half yet and can count past 20, say the alphabet, and a lot of other things their friends can’t do. I don’t know why people think they’re jus a daycare..
Michelle

The teachers at The Children’s Center are so wonderful, especially Ms. Merlyn in the Cubs room. My child leaps into her arms each morning which is a big change from our prior childcare experiences. I was not enrolled during all the changes that occurred but everything seems to be running smoothly now.
Sandi

We are new to Steiner Ranch and are looking for other homeschoolers. My son is 11 and in the sixth grade. Would love to find some other 6th graders for him to meet.
Mom2Two

Sandi,

I homeschooled my son who is now 16 and my daughter who is now 7. I think Lakeway has a homeschooling group which isn’t too far off. There are a few homeschooling families so hopefully someone will respond! We moved out of the area recently, but wish you great luck!
Jennifer

I have recently enrolled my daughter in CCOA’s afterschool program. She has really enjoyed her first week. It is such a big difference from the YMCA which is were she was prior. Alot less hectic! Homework is actually a priority!
Sophia

hello! My names is Sophia, I go to canyon ridge middle school and I’m in 8th grade. I’m trying to earn enough money for the school field trip, so if anyone needs babysitting or housesitting or pet sitting or any odd jobs like that, please send a email to soplis96@aol.com

The pay rate is very cheap and at a affordable rate.
George

Another great preschool is Goddard School in Cedar Park.
Alana P

Hi Isabelle, my daughters are three and one and we have been at the CCOA for two years (my second daughter started at 8 months and my older daugther started at 14 months). We absolutely love it here. They have done such an awesome job at the daycare with the new director Ms. Carrie. She is fantanstic. My girls get to do so much during the day from computers, art, spanish, music, dance, library, gym and playground time. They are kept very busy. My husband and I are both surprised at how much they are learning. The daycare is really awesome!
anon

Isabelle – my twins started there at about 13 months and we LOVE it. I have left several reviews on here already, so I won’t repeat myself, but they ask EVERY day if they can go to school!
Cheryl

It looks like Anon is children’s center of Austin employe because never I heard good review about that place.
And same teacher for a year, probably on her dream, that never ever happen.
CCOA has a really BAD reputation
Cheryl

About a month ago the children’s center of Austin was under investigation for child abuse and the same week two big accidents happened at their playground.
Broken arm
and really bad injury on child’s face (5 stitches)
definelly NOT GOOD!!
mom

You can search the Tx department of family and public services site to see license information including defiencies. CCOA did have several high incidents back in June 2010.

http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Care/Search_Texas_Child_Care/ppFacilitySearchDayCare.asp
anon

Cheryl – I do NOT work there and my kids have had the same teacher for the more than a year (because their b-days are mid school year). Miss Lanette is awesome and I know LOTS of parents whose kids love it there and their parents do to. My guess is that Cheryl is an employee of the “School” in the Hills.
Mary

Regarding cheryls complaints about The Chidlren’s Center of Austin I have had two children attend. One is still there. For the past three years, we have had nothing but great experiences with the teachers and program. Ms. Carrie and Ms. Stacey do a wonderful job. All schools may have accidents from time to time, that is only normal. It is how they handle them that is whats important. A child fell in my child’s classroom and hurt is eye, the school handled it perfectly. All parents knew about it. I say if you really what to evaluate where to send your child, you need to go and visit. a blog like this can be filled with anything , true or not. Also, people generally are angry when they sit down to blog. You should try CCOA. It has my vote!
anon

Looking back at this thread, I see that Merlyn was mentioned a year ago, she’s still there and still awesome and I just found out that Miss Lanette will be moving up a year so my kids will have them for another year. We’re thrilled. Great point, Mary. You can’t go on reputation. Visit the school and you will see a LOT of happy kids!
Rebecca

I am very happy with the childrens center! For the past year, my son has been with the same teacher, Ms. Nicole, since he enrolled. I had the pleasure of touring and meeting Ms. Stacy and she made my son and myself feel so welcome and comfortable. I felt like I knew her for years We stopped in every classroom, met every teacher, and I have had no problems or complaints thus far. The Pre-k curriculum is very detailed and follows TEKS. My son learned how to write his name within a few weeks of attending. I am due with my second child in December and already have her enrolled at ccoa.
Sharon

My family and I just moved to Austin from Santa Monica in January and we had our two year old son enrolled in the School in the Hills. I must say, at first I thought that the uniforms they wear were really cute. Very prep school like. But, since we were working on potty training, I knew it would be a challenge. But, every single day for a week I picked up my son from school and he was soaked in urine. Since Montessori is focused on the children ‘learning how to learn’ the teachers wouldnt help him unbuckle his pants so he would urinate and no one would help him. I took him to the childrens center of austin. I heard that they are much more kid friendly and teacher taught curriculum. The children are supposed to have fun while they are at school and ever since I have had my son at ccoa for 6 months, he is a new child! I could go on and on about ccoa but, from their friemdly front lobby staff, teachers, even their cook Magda is a breath of fresh air. I recommend them to anyone who wants their children to learn AND have fun at school.
Bill

When our kids were potty training at school in the hills we were told to send them with pants with an elastic waist and it worked out fine. We have had no issues at all and have been going since the day it opened.
Christina

It’s been a year since the last reply on the subject of preschools, so any new info on pre-K programs in the area is appreciated! I’m moving to Texas soon (Steiner Ranch in Austin) and have preschool and pre-K age kids… I need something full time, five days a week, has a solid curriculum and daily schedule (not just a day of full open play and TV!) and of course, courteous teachers that really care about the kids and push them to their fullest potential.
No Care

we LOVE the Children’s Center in the front of the neighborhood. The teachers are great and the kids learn a LOT in a caring environment.