My son has been attending Child's Day since June 2012. We moved him from another school in central Austin because we had heard so many great things about this preschool. I have to say that the first couple weeks were hard but he has acclimated beautifully and enjoys his friends, teachers, outside time, tumbling, spanish and music. He is doing amazing! Not to sound cliche but Child's Day is more than a daycare, our teachers instill a "preschool" curriculum that taps into the creativity of the kiddos and allows them to learn and explore based on their current interests. It's a great feeling when you pick up your child and they don't want to go home because they are having so much fun. Our teachers are outstanding. My husband and I are truly amazed every day when our 3 year old comes home with new vocabulary and can hold an entire conversation with us. Tiffany, Terrie and Patrick are a well oiled machine and I hand it to them. Personally I could not manage 14- 3 year olds 5 days a week. These 3 teachers are an amazing trio that would be hard to beat! I feel Child's Day does a great job at placing the 'right" teachers together to create a cohesive learning environment! Tiffany is the no-nonsense educator and lead teacher that has the unique ability to tap into little minds. She makes my kiddo think outside the box. She has a true gift and does an amazing job. She shoots straight and will always have good advice and ideas. We love getting her emails detailing weekly projects and what our son is learning about. It allows us to ask him what he did today vs "how was your day". There's a BIG difference! Terrie is our sons assistant lead teacher and she expands the curriculum outside of the 4 walls by bringing fun and new experiences into the classroom. I love it when my son tells me how awesome his day was learning about different animals, parrots, chicks eggs, creation and the "whys and whats' of HIS world. She is calm, patient and understanding. She always remembers the little things when giving us an overview of the day. She makes my son smile and that's the best feeling ever! We were so excited when she came to the school. She is fabulous! Patrick brings a strong balance to the world of crazy 3 year olds and the kids enjoy playing with him very much. He is very good at listening to "both sides of the story". He's great at helping kids rationalize and understand what's right and wrong. For those with a 3 year old....that's HARD to do! My son loves when Patrick reads books. He's a great addition to our classroom and we are so happy to have him. I have so many positive things to say to these 3 teachers that I could go on and on for another 3 paragraphs but I won't! In a nutshell! We feel blessed to have these 3 amazing individuals help us raise our son! Thanks Tiffany, Terrie and Patrick and of course Child's Day! read more

Our two sons have been attending Child's Day since August 2012, and we cannot say enough great things about the teachers, staff and curriculum at Child's Day. We came from a chain daycare, which we were satisfied with, but now we know that was only because we had not experienced the child-led curriculum and creative atmosphere of Child's Day. The teachers in the Puffins and Honey Bears' classes have been extraordinary --- teaching our boys skills and information that would not have been taught anywhere else. The Puffins teachers --- Ms. Kerry and Ms. Gayle --- handle the curiosity and energy of 5 year-olds with complete enthusiasm and creativity. It feels like our Puffin is now teaching US instead of the opposite! The classroom has an undeniable energy, and we can especially compliment the order with which the Puffins teachers lead the kids. Although the kids are encouraged to play and act like kids, they are also expected to hone their social skills, including respect for authority. My Puffin actually is upset when he does something requiring negative attention from his teachers. We love Ms. Kerry and Ms. Gayle! The Honey Bears teachers --- Ms. Alice, Ms. Nita, and Mr. Chris --- are also professionals beyond our expectations. They are so sweet to our Honey Bear and are masters at handling and embracing the "Terrible Two's" and all of the fun and challenges that come with this age. We often feel like advice and guidance from the Honey Bears teachers is invaluable, even though we have already been through this age and stage. They are so understanding and you can tell that they truly care about our Honey Bear. He has a blast at school and talks about his teachers on the weekends. We cannot recommend Child's Day more. It is a warm, welcoming, positive environment where we feel safe and assured that our children are getting the best care and education for their ages! read more

We absolutely love Child's Day! My older daughter started there when she was 3 mos old and finished when she was 5. My son also started as an infant and is a current student in the Little Lambs class. As a testament to Child's Day, my son has had a few of the same teachers as my daughter did 6 years ago! Karen Machler in the infant center is truly a godsend...I distinctly remember being a new mother and taking my child back to her on Monday after a long a weekend and asking her to "fix" her! She has a gift and truly enjoys teaching/working with infants. Jenny Rochkind the lead teacher in the Little Lambs room is absolutely amazing. She has a way with toddlers that fosters a consistent, fun environment so that the kids are having so much fun they have no idea all the things they are learning from colors, numbers, animals, science and math. She gets down on their level and really connects with all the children. She allows them to explore in a safe environment which ultimately teaches them independence and confidence. We are so fortunate to have Miss Jenny as our teacher! We have a great group of support staff too! Miss Vee is a joyful presence who loves to read and sing with the kids...and Miss Kristen is really great at listening and making each child feel special. Child's Day is by far the best child development center in town. The owners, Shirley and Charley Gamble truly care about the children and the families that are enrolled at Child's Day and have always put the interest of the families first. read more

Since my original review, my children have graduated from Child's Day and moved on to elementary school. This transition has brought a new, deeply frustrating issue to light: **academic unpreparedness.** Upon entry assessments at their new schools, my children tested **below average** in basic reading, writing, and math for their age groups. While Child's Day touts a "play-based learning" philosophy, there appears to be a severe lack of actual educational substance supporting it. In reality, **it's just babysitting masquerading as a day care that provides academic foundation to young children.** This isn't an isolated incident. In speaking with other parents we met at Child's Day, this has become the most common frustration and concern. There is a shared sentiment that we spent a fortune on tuition, yet our children left with very little to show for it academically. Consequently, many of us--myself included--are now having to spend *additional* money on tutors and outside learning programs just to catch our kids up to where they should have been on day one of elementary school. For the premium price Child's Day charges, you expect your children to be prepared for the next step. Instead, we paid for the most expensive care in Austin only to start elementary school from behind. read more

There is no way to capture my deep appreciation and admiration of what the teacher's a Child's Day do for my child. She is currently in the Honey Bears classroom where Ms. Nita, Ms. Meredith, and Ms. Jermanda design and facilitate the most engaging and interesting activities for her each day. Since we enrolled her, we've noticed a huge increase in her language production and her problem solving skills, an amazing feat for a child who hasn't reached 2 yet. The play based curriculum offers a balance between structured activities and exploratory play, so she's getting a balance of "just right nudges" to spur her development. The teachers also focus on helping her learn how to engage with other children her own age. Perhaps what's most remarkable is that my daughter runs up to the door every day at drop off, excited to go to school. My child loves to learn, which is directly related to the thought and care that the teachers put into the curriculum design. It is so comforting to know that when I leave my child, she is with people who care about her and who are able to play with her in developmentally appropriate ways. These teachers are beyond amazing, and I'd recommend Child's Day to any parent looking for a child development center. read more

Our older daughter is a Panda and has been at Child's Day since she was an infant. We've experienced some great teachers and some not so great teachers throughout the years, but Mr. Kevin, Miss Jessica, and Miss Gabby are absolutely wonderful. As we all know, the teachers make all the difference and the three that we have this year could not be better. They engage with the kids, keep the parents informed, and are pleasant to interact with. This has been the best year so far at Child's Day, and it is because of these three outstanding teachers. THANK YOU for all that you do! Our younger daughter is a Duckling, following her big sister at Child's Day. The teachers (Cindy, Adam, and Darielle) are so good with the babies. Our little girl gets upset sometimes at dropoff, but Cindy and Adam are always waiting with open arms to snuggle her and by the time I'm out to my car she's playing happily. And when we arrive to pick her up, she is happily playing or sitting in Darielle's lap...without fail! It can be difficult to leave your baby with someone else, and so I am very, very grateful that we can 100% trust these three teachers with our precious girl. read more

I love the staff at Child's Day! My oldest started at just 3 months, and although I was nervous, Chicks' teachers Karyn, Tracy and Frances quickly put me at ease. They are warm, kind, and affectionate - exactly what you want in a caregiver. Needless to say, I was thrilled when I found out they would all be back as Chicks teachers when it was time to enroll my younger son this school year. Just like his older brother, he loves school and these three women are the primary reason. My older son went on to the kangaroos class, with Kate, Min and Juanita, all of whom were wonderful. Like the teachers in the chicks room, they took great care of my son and taught him so much. He was crazy about all three. My oldest is now in the koalas class, continuing the winning streak with Nicole, Angie and Kathryn. He talks constantly now, and he loves telling me everything he's done at school. His love for all three is obvious, and with good reason. All three are great at entertaining him while educating him at the same time. Our time at Child's Day has truly been a pleasure, and we are so grateful for all that the teachers do. read more

We've had experience with a couple of day cares in Austin and Childs Day is simply in a different league to the others. The teachers are the most dedicated, motivated, educated and loving people, all of which my girls adore and I completely trust with my children. Teacher:child ratios are among the lowest I've seen, especially for infants. My youngest is in the Ducklings (since 9 months old) and oldest in the Turtles and they both genuinely love their days at school. The school offers a fantastic mix of play based learning - lots of free play with increasing 'structure' as the childs gets older. My kids are both learning & developing at an astounding rate both 'academically' & socially. Parents are kept well informed, updated and involved. Safety is paramount - passcode entry on every entrance. There is a real sense of community with regular external class get-togetherness and extra activities, organized by both teachers & parents. My girls have made amazing friends there, as have we as parents. I cannot recommend Childs Day enough. My only advice to prospective parents - get on the wait list asap, it's popular! read more

Before coming to Child's Day, I was at another daycare that I thought was really great. But it wasn't until I got here that I realized ALL the things that a place like this could be for me. I am 2 years old now which means I am in the Honey Bears class. Every day, it is so abundantly clear that all 3 of our teachers (Miss Gracie, Miss Nita, and Miss Candace) are completely dedicated to helping us become beautiful, loving, intelligent human beings - it really makes us feel like there is nothing we cannot do! The care and focus with which they develop and implement our lesson plans is nothing short of amazing, and I love the way they are teaching us to be inquisitive and learn things on our own rather than just to "memorize" stuff. I could go on and on, but ultimately I will never be able to put into words how much the love and attention they show me means to me. It is obvious to me and to my parents the profoundly positive impact Child's Day is going to have on my life. I'm so glad I'm here! read more

Between our two daughters, we've been at Child's Day for six years now, with one more year to go before our youngest starts kindergarten. Over the years we have consistently found that the staff are warm, loving, nurturing caregivers, and they are also true professionals and experts in early childhood development. It's been amazing to have such great support and resources as we have navigated different stages and phases with our girls. Since our older daughter is now too old for Child's Day, she has had to go other places for after school care and summer camps, but nothing has ever come close to the Child's Day experience. Our daughters have been in the Kangaroos, Little Lambs, Robins, Pandas, Puffins and Field Mice classes, and each year without exception they've had fabulous teachers that we loved. Next year will be our last at Child's Day, and we will truly miss being a part of this amazing community that has been such a critical part of our daughters' development. read more

We love Child's Day! Our daughter has been with them since just before she was 2 years old. She started out as a Little Lamb, then graduated on to the Robin's class, and now is a Panda. She has adored every one of her teachers, and has developed the best relationships with her classmates. I simply can not say enough great things about Child's Day and its teachers. My daughter's Panda teachers (Miss Jessica, Miss Gabby, and Mr. Kevin) are nothing short of amazing. They always have such great activities planned that help the kids learn new things and that help them to express their creativity and imagination. Jessica, Gabby, and Kevin are so patient and inspiring to the kids--they care so much about them. I am constantly baffled with what my 4 year old knows about everything from animals to outer space! As a parent, to know that your child loves her school, that she adores her teachers, and that she is thriving and learning every day...it's an amazing feeling. read more

As a first-time mom and preschool teacher, deciding on care for my child was of upmost importance. However, I never felt any hesitancy when enrolling my son at Child's Day in the Infant Center. The Ducklings team is outstanding, to say the least. Logan, Sonja and Melanie have the most positive and loving energy that a team could possibly have. When you enter their classroom, you can feel the sunshine exuding from each of them. They are knowledgeable, experienced and educated, but most importantly, they genuinely love each one of the kiddos in their class. Having been to two different infant care centers in Austin, I know that Child's Day is the BEST place for my child. He knows it too--he is more happy and loves being at school every day. Thanks to the Ducklings team for being so amazing and for truly loving my child. This time that you spend with him will forever leave a lasting impression on our entire family. Much love to each of you always. read more

Ms. Kathryn, Ms. Angie, & Ms. Nicole are dreams come true. It's never easy to part from your little guy/girl but it makes all the difference in the world when you know they're being perfectly taken care of & are learning & playing every minute they're away from you. In our family, both of us parents own small businesses & our schedules can be erratic. There's not always as much consistency for our son as there is for other kids, so having the stability his teachers give him along with getting to see his adorable little friends on a daily basis helps to balance out the occasional chaos. They're so hands-on & involved. The activities they plan, their home visits, & parent/teacher communication is unlike any I've heard from parents at other schools. Our son looks forward to school, talks about his teachers & friends even when he's away from school, & always has fun stories to tell us about his day. Did I mention he's only 2?! read more

At my first visit/tour at Child's Day, Shirley was patient through all my questions and coached me through their curriculum as my son had been at home full time. She even took the time to go through other options for my son and offered her recommendations. It was very comforting knowing her primary concern was my son's development. My son started as a Kangaroo in August 2011 and is now Little Lamb with Ms. Jenny, Ms. Kristin and Ms. Vee. These ladies are all so wonderful with my son. Ms. Jenny is so knowledgeable about child development and always gives me wonderful advice to take home and implement. Ms. Kristin is so sweet and always has something to share with me about what my son did that day. Every time I walk into the class, Ms. Vee is always laughing or smiling and playing with the kids. Her laugh is infectious! My son is a thriving and a happy little toddler, thanks to all these lovely teachers! read more

Thanks to Kerry and Gail, our son feels right at home as a Puffin. He was a bit tearful his first week but now he is excited to go in and see what his classmates are doing or what's new in the sensory table. He has learned and done so many new things: songs, glyphs and even fun mess making activities. My favorites have been the stories created by the children and compiled by the teachers. I know these will be so interesting to look at in the years to come. Our son knows and reminds us that we "mostly leave nature outside" and even went on a fun field trip to see Good Night Moon and sat in the front row! Kerry and Gail are so good about reminding the students how to treat eachother, teaching them how to use their words to solve their problems, and even get them to sit still long enough to listen to chapter books without pictures. read more

Remember as a kid, wishing everyday was Saturday so you could stay home and avoid more school? Well, it's just the opposite in our home. Each morning, our four-year-old asks if it's a school day. If I say yes, she breaks into her happy dance! We are so fortunate to have found Child's Day. Not only is the curriculum stimulating and the location ideal, but the faculty and staff are top notch. We especially appreciate our Panda teachers, Ms. Jessica, Ms. Gabby and Mr. Kevin. Their passion for nurturing young children - body, mind and spirit - is unflagging. My husband and I are thankful to have such amazing partners in our daughter's overall growth and development. To the teachers and support staff who have made our daughter's early childhood learning experience so positive, we are extremely grateful. read more

When my three year old was asked to leave his previous school, I was worried that we would never find the right school or environment for him. A few friends and several therapists recommended Child's day and I immediately called and went for a visit. Both my husband and myself were very impressed. Well, after Luke's first week at Child's Day, we were literally jumping up and down. The environment and community at Child's Day was perfect for him. They embraced him with open arms and it has turned out to be the best decision we made. Miss Hilary, Miss Nazli and Miss Maudie are "Child Whisperers." They have been absolutely amazing and I wish Luke could stay a "Robin" forever. In fact we love the school so much, we are moving Luke's twin sister Zoe to Child's Day too! read more

4 to 5 year old class! Ms. Kerry and Ms. Gail are just the best. They have worked so hard to bring out the best in all of the students and to teach my daughter. We are so lucky to have them! Ms. Kerry recently set up about 100 different animal environments in the classroom and my daughter has become fascinated with them. And my little son (2) tries to sneak his way in there to be with her too!!! 2 year old class! Ms. Kathryn, Ms. Angie, and Ms. Nicole are wonderful for my little boy! He asks for them at night and they shower him with love! Thank goodness. The other day I saw Ms. Nicole reading with my son and teaching him how to count when I came in without being seen. It was amazing to see how focused she was on his learning. Thank goodness for child's day! read more

Ms. Hilary: Robins Thank you, Hilary, for being the stabilizing force in the Robins class this year! We appreciate all that you do. Stella has truly blossomed this year. She is learning about choice & responsibility in a fun environment. She has become very social & developed real friendships. I appreciate that you recognize what Stella enjoys & you always seem to foster that behavior; yet, encourage her to participate in activities that she may not naturally gravitate toward. For me, the truest sign that Stella really enjoys her environment is when she talks about it when she's not there. She regularly asks that I play Ms. Hilary when we're playing in the evenings or on the weekends. So sweet! Thank you, Hilary. You're great! read more