Is Atelier Preescolar a year-round school?
Yes, it is. We follow most Austin Independent School District (AISD) schedule for most of the holidays and staff development days. We also offer summer camps in July so working parents can rely on quality care during the summer months.
Are students allowed to enroll at any time of year?
Yes, if space is available. Please visit us to learn about availability.
At what age can my child enroll at Atelier Preescolar?
You may enroll at any time if space is available, however children must be 12 months old and walking independently to attend our preschool program.
Yes, we encourage you to submit an application for your unborn child.
Can I apply before my baby is born?
We have a structured schedule with flexible activities. We believe it’s important to expose children to a large variety of activities throughout the day. Also, structured schedule prepares children for Kindergarten. There are plenty of opportunities for the children to play free as well .
Is the day structured or free form?
For the 3 year-old class students should be potty trained or wear pull-ups. We are happy to help them transition at school if parents are willing to work within the process. Younger students must wear pull-ups. Children need to arrive to school with clean pull-ups. If potty trained or in the process of potty training parents need to take them to the restroom when they arrive to school.
Does my child need to be potty trained?
Yes. Our focus is on social and emotional skills. Students will be expose to the literacy, math, science, creative, motor and social skills they need in order to succeed in kindergarten.
Will my child be ready for Kindergarten?
Our hours of operation are 7:30 am to 5:00 pm. Atelier Preescolar follows most days of AISD calendar.
What are your hours of operation?
Yes, we do have different schedules and fees. Director will give you this information during your tour.
Do you offer part-time schedules?
Please click on the map found on our “Contact Us page”.
How do we get to Atelier Preescolar ?
You must give written consent for anyone other than you, the parents, to pick up your child. Please use the Atelier Preescolar Enrollment form to inform us who has permission to pick up your child. Children will only be released to a parent or a person designated by the parent/guardian after verification of ID.
Who can pick up my child from school?
We believe in “positive discipline,” which focuses on good behavior rather than bad, and follow the guidelines for developmentally appropriate practices set by the National Association for the Education of Children (NAEYC). While some behaviors are typical for a specific “age and stage,” we recognize that children learn appropriate social behaviors at different rates. With that in mind, we observe and make individual behavior plans when necessary. As children get older, we encourage them to resolve conflicts on their own, building social skills and self- confidence in difficult, emotional situations.
What is your policy on discipline and conflict resolution?
Biting is a natural developmental stage that many children go through. It is usually a temporary condition that is most common between thirteen and twenty-four months of age. The safety of the children at the center is our primary concern. If an occurrence happens more than one time in one day the parent will be called to pick up the biting child. The child may return the following school day. If it is deemed in the best interest of the child, the center, and the other children, the child may be terminated from program enrollment for the duration of the biting stage. Written warning will be given to the parents before this action will be taken and no refunds will be given.
Biting.
Students do not watch television or any other electronic device at Atelier Preescolar.
Do you let the children watch television?
As a Spanish immersion school, our goal is to fully immerse your child in the language, therefore no English will be spoken except in emergency situations. Children will learn Spanish just as they did their first language, through imitation and visual signals. While learning a second language it is common that students use their primary language to communicate to other students, they will be encouraged to use Spanish at school. Communication with parents will be in English.
Is there any English spoken in the class?
No prior exposure or knowledge of Spanish is required by children or parents, but we do welcome those with prior knowledge of Spanish.
Is any prior exposure or knowledge of Spanish required?
Tuition is due on the first day of each month. If payment is not received by 1:00 pm on the 3rd day of the month, a late fee of $25.00 will be applied to your tuition. There will be a late fee for checks returned as uncollectible. First and last month tuitions are due at time of enrollment and tuition and fees are not refundable or transferable.
When is tuition due?
If you need to withdraw from the preschool program for any reason during the year, a written statement must be submitted to the school director by 1st day of the month 30 days prior to your withdrawal date to avoid having to pay the following month’s tuition.
What happens if I have to withdraw my child before the end of the school year?
How can I communicate with the program director?
You can call during hours of operation or email. Calls and emails received after hours will be return within the next 24 hours.
Program Quality & Licensing
What is Texas Rising Star, and what does a 4-Star Rating mean?
Atelier Preescolar is proud to have earned the 4th Star from Texas Rising Star—the highest quality rating an early childhood center can achieve in the state of Texas. This designation evaluates teacher-child interactions, classroom setup, curriculum implementation, teacher’s trainings and documentation, etc.
A 4-star rating assures families that our program exceeds standard licensing requirements and delivers an exceptional educational foundation.
What is Atelier Preescolar’s safety and licensing track record?
Since opening our doors in 2012, Atelier Preescolar has maintained a perfect state licensing record. The health, safety, and emotional well-being of every child guide every decision we make.
Curriculum & Learning Environment
What does "nature-based learning" mean at Atelier Preescolar?
We believe the outdoor environment is an essential teacher. Through grants from different organizations, we actively enhance our outdoor classroom under the state’s OLE! Texas (Outdoor Learning Environment) initiative. Our outdoor spaces give children room to explore, move, create, and discover through hands-on play every day.
How does your curriculum support brain development?
About 85% of foundational brain growth occurs before age 5. Atelier was the only early childhood center in Austin selected to partner with First3Years during their statewide Baby Day celebration. Our play-based, experiential curriculum is designed to stimulate cognitive, social, and emotional growth during these critical early years. To support each child's individual growth, we guide our instruction through daily informal observations alongside formal ASQ developmental assessments.
How do you assess and track child progress?
We base our instruction on continuous informal daily observations as well as formal Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) assessments. This allows us to scaffold learning and tailor instruction to each child's unique developmental needs.
How do you ensure personalized attention for my child?
To foster meaningful relationships and individual growth, our teacher-to-student ratios are kept well below state licensing requirements. This allows our educators to provide tailored instruction, scaffolding, and warm, attentive care for every student.
Teacher Qualifications & Leadership
What qualifications do your teachers hold?
Our educators are dedicated to continuous professional growth. Members of our teaching team hold formal bachelor degree on education or a CDA, they also hold microcredentials through the Children’s Learning Institute. Additionally, our Program Director holds a Masters in Education, several teaching certificates and a certificate in Social Entrepreneurship from the UT LBJ School of Public Affairs. We strongly believe that how we run our school matters just as much as what we teach.
Enrollment & Community Partners
Is Atelier Preescolar affiliated with any community organizations?
Yes! Beyond our 4-star Texas Rising Star status, Atelier Preescolar is a proud partner in United Way Austin’s PreK Partnership and collaborates with local early development non-profits like First3Years to stay at the forefront of early childhood education research and best practices.
How can I schedule a tour or enroll my child?
Because we maintain low student-teacher ratios, our enrollment spots fill up quickly! We welcome interested families to schedule a private tour to view our indoor classrooms and enhanced outdoor spaces.