My 4 year old started stepping stone in March of 2024 when I decided to return to work. It was the…read moreonly daycare with availability I felt comfortable sending him to in the area. When I came to make the initial payment and the director asked if I wanted to meet his teacher I of course said yes. We went outside where the kids played and I was excited to see who he'd be with all day. Mind you, this was to be his first time ever being away from me. His teacher was young, and looked super uninterested in talking. She said hi with what I couldn't even consider a smile, and didn't say much to my son. At drop off his first day the morning teacher didn't say much either. She didn't really offer any assistance when I was trying to leave and my son was visibly scared and upset. This went on for the weeks he was there. I did not like the staff member who hung out with the kids until his teacher showed up. She said good morning and that's about it. Towards the end I think she could tell I was irritated and offered my son things to keep him occupied while I left. My overall feel was these "teachers" don't like being there. I did not like this environment. When The lighthouse opened we made the switch and it was night and day! My son was SO EXCITED for daycare because the staff is AMAZING! I got constant updates, I don't have to ask for his meals to be updated through the day, he was engaged, the teachers are engaged and happier. I would never suggest Stepping stone to anyone.

ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL! We toured several daycares before making our decision and once we toured…read morethis establishment, we knew it was the best one in several ways. Each team member was so polite and knowledgeable. Ms Alice is the sweetest most kind hearted individual. You can truly tell she cares about each and every child there. As a first time mother, she immediately gave the reassurance that I needed to feel comfortable and confident with leaving my baby there. My baby started at just 8 weeks. The gigabyte classroom and all their teachers including Ms Dorthy, Ms Jackie, Ms Kiana, and more, showed so much love toward Jackson immediately. They surprised us with crafts and daily photos. Every day, pick up and drop off was efficient and welcoming. The monthly cost is truly worth it for the value and time that each team member bring day after day. I cannot recommend this place enough. I know Jackson is still growing and may not remember these days but, as his parents, this place and staff will hold a deep place in our heart.

This school is wonderful and successfully implements the Montessori method. They are kind and…read morepatient with the children. All of the staff is helpful, and together they generate a community and environment that encourages emotional and educational growth for children. I highly recommend this school.

My two children attended this school for three years, and my youngest attended this school up until…read moreFriday of last week. Until this current school year, we were satisfied with our experience. In fact, we actively recommended them to other families. I can no longer do so in good conscience. Distance learning during a pandemic is difficult for all involved, both staff and students. My daughter began this school year doing distance learning. She was not doing well at all; she struggled. We requested extra help for her in the form of a detailed daily schedule to follow, since both parents are also working full time. The school instead gave her daily one-on-one time with the founder, Ms. Betty. Even with this daily help, our daughter was not completing her work, so her father and I were spending evenings checking on her assignments in Google Classroom. During this checking, we came across a story that had been assigned to my daughter's class for a reading comprehension assignment. This appalling story is shown in the pictures attached to this review. After a moment of "does that really say what I think it says?!?", my husband and I decided to email the school's administration and the classroom teacher. We were already very frustrated because of our daughter's distance learning issues, so my email was direct and to the point. This is racist. It is unacceptable. Why is your school using a 50 year old reading curriculum? What other overtly racist stories are in this curriculum? Why isn't the classroom teacher reading what she is assigning to students? I expected to receive an apology and a solution. What we got instead was the most unprofessional email I have ever seen to come from a school administrator. The administrator agreed to research a new reading program to purchase based on the age of the materials, but then told us that we had accused them personally of being racist and that that was offensive. No apologies for the content of the story. No "oh my goodness, I didn't realize that was in there". No admission that the story was unacceptable. Just defensiveness and blame-shifting. We requested to be released from our Spring tuition contract, and that request was granted. We withdrew our daughter and enrolled her in public school. We had paid our tuition in full through December, so we are out several thousand dollars, but felt that this was the right course of action given the circumstances. For the record, we do not accuse any individual of personally being racist. However, racist materials were clearly present in their curriculum and were distributed to students. We believe other parents should be aware of this incident when they are making decisions about how to educate their children.

Both my children have attended First English CDC and we absolutely love it. My child asked me…read moreyesterday if the school week could be 10 days long instead of 5, I think that sums it up nicely! We love the small school feel of it, with community and teachers who know the children well. The school is an establishment in the community, and I meet many people with grown kids who attended there. My kids love the shady playground, and my older kid who is no longer there still maintains that it has the best swings in Austin. There is also a nice open indoor hall for rainy or hot days, as well as activities like Soccer Shots they offer. There is a healthy breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack cooked each day by the school chef. The school is play based and focused on learning through play, which I think is perfect for this age. Thank you First English.

Both our children have attended First English since they were 18 months old (they're now 3.5y and…read more5y) and we couldn't be happier. The staff provides a caring, safe, supportive and educational environment for the children, with a bonus of prioritizing social-emotional learning and Montessori-esque methods. Our kids have been excited to go to school every day (huge win) and I'm so grateful not to have to pack a breakfast, lunch or snack because it's all offered by the school (and included in the tuition!). Highly recommend.

I was extremely nervous about sending my little ones to daycare, especially since I had planned to…read morebe home with them and am not very trusting of people. However I had to go into the work field again and needed to find a place that I was comfortable with. I toured TONS and i mean TONS of daycares/preschools and I was at the point where I just decided I would keep my son with me and try to find a way to work with him. I came across Heaven sent, and it was an absolute miracle! The moment I stepped inside for a tour I felt at home! The other little ones were so polite, and cheerful! I lnew this was the only place I would feel safe sending my son too! Ms Yolanda has the biggest heart and the sweetest time with them! My son loves going and it's blown me away the amount of times he's learned things I never taught him and retains it! He wasnt talking very much when I first sent him and now he speaks in full sentences and understands SO much! He counts past 20 and I had no idea he could even count to 5. He sings songs and is learning so much! if You're like me and aren't feeling great about the options out there, look further!

My daughter went to Heaven Sent Preschool for the summer and it is such a wonderful, loving place!…read moreShe learned so much in her time there. Yolanda and her daughter, Duran, are both great, caring people! If my daughter didn't already go to a Montessori school, she'd be at Heaven Sent! Actually, her current school gives many days off during the year and I'm hoping that Yolanda can fit her in on some of those days. Thanks to a great summer and we'll hopefully see you soon!

As my daughter's momma and Grandmother to TLE's recent graduate, Waverly my heart continues to be…read morewarmed by the love and care you've always shown us. The Learning Experience Buda stood by our family through the most devastating chapter of our lives--My daughter's heartbreaking brain cancer journey, which ended a year ago. My daughter's greatest concern was always her little Waverly. She was the BEST MOMMA! TLE wrapped Waverly in love, stability, and unwavering support, helping her feel safe, cherished, and encouraged every step of the way. I have never encountered a school community that radiates such deep compassion, professionalism, and wholehearted dedication to every single child. Waverly has truly flourished because of your nurturing care. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being there for our family. We will miss you as Waverly continues her journey in Kindergarten--confident, joyful, and well prepared for whatever comes next. With extreme Gratitude and Love to a special school TLE Buda.

Thanks to The Learning Experience Staff in Buda for providing excellent care…read more They were extremely warm, responsive, and welcoming us with an empathy They have a curriculum that is followed and emailed. You can check on your kid via phone application which comes super handy, and it is always great to see them smiling. Healthy breakfasts and healthy lunches are provided each day, along with snacks in between. They have a nice playground that the kids love playing on when it is nice outside. Along with the day-to-day activities, they are always doing special things like his first day was a reptile show :) Wednesdays are splash days. Pick-up/Drop-Off is extremely easy I never waited more than a minute. This is especially amazing when you compare it with public schools Pick-up/Drop-Off process We were sad to leave The Learning Experience Buda, but it will be always a great memory. As every parent will want the best for their kid, don't think twice. This is your spot. Tina, Leo, Ms Deleasha , Ms Paris, Ms Hilda, Ms Maddie , Ms Renee , and the names I could not remember;I sincerely thank you all.

Had a great experience getting my headshot done with Kevin!…read more He was quick in responding when I inquired about getting a professional headshot for work. After my initial call, he had sent a form to get my appointment booked for the next weekday. I arrived about 15-20 minutes earlier than my expected appointment and never brought it up, nor did he make me wait. He also offered to wear a mask if I felt more comfortable and offered me a bottled water. I never felt rushed, and he made it clear he could take as many photos as I'd like until I was satisfied. Highly recommend.

I just returned from Kevin's "Fall Photography Fundamentals Workshop" and it is the best class I…read morehave ever taken, and I have taken a lot. He was so prepared to the point he provided the class with binders that included all of the information he was showing on the screen. All we had to do was make a few notes if we wanted which allowed us to pay attention to what he was showing and saying. He is extremely patient and goes out of his way to be sure every student understands what he is saying. I don't care how long you've been photographing, I'm pretty sure you'll learn something new. If you're a beginner this is definitely the class to be in. I cannot recommend his classes enough. They are not overpriced and you get a lot of bang for your buck.

I have been so amazed with first step school from the very beginning. They are the sweetest people…read more I love the structure that they have. It's not just a daycare it's a school. My son is excelling in every aspect. And it's because of first step school! Best decision I ever made was starting my son here. I have no complaints. It's such a positive and fun environment. From outdoor fun, to dance parties in the gym, to weekly assessments, the lunches you purchase are perfect and they provide bibs if you need them too! My son is happy there and even runs to the his teacher. Which for me brings me comfort knowing my son is safe and happy. 10/10 experience and I recommend first step school to anyone looking for a full time place to send your child too. You will not be disappointed. Best school/daycare in San Marcos! Go see for yourself! You will not be disappointed!

(0 STARS) My 2 and 3 year old only went here for three…read moreweeks. That's all the time it took for us to never want to come back. This was my first daycare experience. I'm on CCS and going back to work. The staff refused to let my girls in daycare today over $5.50 from a late fee. I paid them $91 on Monday to cover all meals until August 14th and had a late fee already added to the total. I was struggling to pay for the meals since I just started working on July 18th. Then the girls and I were sick from July 28th and could not return to school/work until August 7th per doctor's orders. I missed an entire week of work. Kaitlyn, the owner's daughter, was very aggressive with me when I tried talking to her. She said everyone has had struggles and too bad. She escalated the situation by following me all the way out to the parking lot, berating me and yelling that it was their policy, and she would be reporting me to CCS for failure to pay. I'm so upset that my babies were there and how unprofessional she was. DO NOT RECOMMEND.

Mr terry is awesome my family and I love her she's been great!!! Our experience with her has been…read moreamazing and we couldn't be more grateful

This is an unsafe day care. The staff is dismissive of abuse from caregivers of the littles…read more Director JANA is defensive & completely unwarm. They care about compliance. If you have a concern or complaint about something that happened to child she will turn it on to you & your child. The director is cold as ice, not genuinely interested in investigating or resolution. The staff behaves as if they are handling prisoners not children. Don't have a sleepy child, a cranky one, an over stimulated one or a crying one! That child will be mistreated. I would not reccomend this daycare ! unless you are ok with physical intimidation tactics on your child, (pinching,pulling, snatching,ignoring, as well as verbally intimidating) otherwise stay away from Children's Lighthouse