Choosing childcare in Austin starts with a practical question: where will your child feel safe, understood, and comfortable while your family gets the care schedule it needs? A beautiful classroom is a starting point. The conversations you have with teachers and the routines you observe can tell you much more.
Start with your child and your daily routine
Write down your child’s age, intended start date, the hours you need, and the locations that fit your commute. Search for the care you actually need—infant daycare, toddler care, or preschool—and then compare the educational approaches available. A school across town may be appealing, but the daily trip matters when you are balancing work, pickup, and family time.
Ask whether “full day” means the core school day or care through the end of the workday. At Mi Casita, the core school day is 8:30 AM–2:30 PM, with optional early arrival from 7:30 AM and extended care until 5:30 PM. Review tuition and schedule options together so the price you compare reflects the hours you need.
Look closely at everyday care
On a tour, notice how adults respond when a child needs help. Are they attentive? Do they speak respectfully? Do children have a clear routine and developmentally appropriate materials? Ask how the school handles supervision, transitions, illness, emergencies, and communication with parents. Request current licensing information and use the official state resources to review it.
For an infant, discuss feeding, sleep, diapering, and how teachers learn your baby’s individual needs. Ask what you will hear about during the day and how changes in routines are shared. For a toddler, ask about separation at drop-off, toilet learning, communication, and guidance when children are frustrated. For a preschooler, discuss friendships, early literacy, mathematics, independence, and preparation for the next school stage.
Understand what Montessori means in practice
Montessori is an educational approach built around observation, hands-on learning, and increasing independence in a prepared environment. Children practice meaningful skills with materials suited to their development. Teachers introduce activities and provide guidance while allowing time for concentration and repetition.
Ask a school to show you an example. What is a child learning while pouring water, matching sounds, or working with number materials? How does a teacher decide what to introduce next? These answers tell you more than the Montessori name alone. Ask about the preparation and experience of the teachers who will care for your child.
At Mi Casita, our infant care, toddler care, and Montessori preschool programs share a commitment to respectful relationships and growing independence. The daily experiences differ with each child’s age and development.
Ask how Spanish is used throughout the day
If you are looking for a bilingual daycare or preschool, ask what the language program actually looks like. Is Spanish a separate lesson, part of the daily routine, or the language used throughout classroom life? How are children who are new to Spanish supported? How do teachers communicate with parents?
Mi Casita offers Spanish immersion through conversation, songs, stories, Montessori lessons, and everyday care. Children do not need previous Spanish experience to join. Families can ask about language routines and observe them during a tour.
Compare tuition with the same schedule in mind
Ask for the full fee schedule, including application, enrollment, materials, extended care, and summer programming. Understand the difference between an installment payment plan and the months of care it covers. Confirm school closures and how schedule changes work. A clear comparison helps you choose a program your family can sustain.
Use reviews to prepare better questions
Reviews can reveal what families appreciate and where they have concerns. Look for specific descriptions of care, communication, and how a school responds to problems. Read recent information and ask the school directly about anything that matters to your decision. A “best daycare” list is a starting point for research; the best fit depends on your child and family.
Visit the campus your child would attend
Programs at two locations can share the same philosophy while offering different physical spaces and classroom communities. Explore Mi Casita’s Downtown campus at 1211 Parkway and East Austin campus at 2900 E. Cesar Chavez St. to compare the locations.
Bring a short list of your most important questions. Leave time to ask who your regular contact would be, how your child’s transition is supported, and whether a place is available for your intended start date.