Business Details
Inclusive Preschool Education in Austin, TX
Open Door Preschool has dedicated over four decades to providing high-quality, inclusive early childhood education in Austin, Texas. Our mission centers on educational equity, fostering a child-led, play-based environment where children of diverse abilities, backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses thrive. Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), we maintain rigorous standards in curriculum, teacher-child relationships, and community engagement.Our program prioritizes social-emotional development, creative exploration, and kindergarten readiness, serving infants through pre-kindergarten students across three locations. With a commitment to accessibility, we offer workforce tuition subsidies and financial assistance programs to ensure families from all walks of life can benefit from our services.
Services
Early Childhood Education
Play-Based Curriculum
Child-Led Learning
Social-Emotional Development
NAEYC Accredited Program
Texas Rising Star Certified
Inclusive Environment
Part-Time Care
After School Care
Professional Development
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in inclusive early childhood education.
- Our program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
- We maintain a richly diverse environment with children from varied socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
- Our award-winning teachers specialize in social-emotional development and child-led learning.
- We accept workforce tuition subsidies to ensure accessibility for low-income families.
Associations and certifications
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
- Texas Rising Star Certified Program
What people say
Great teachers
Safe and happy
Encouraged network of support
Children blossomed
Nurturing environment
Services
Early Childhood Education
Our early childhood education program focuses on play-based learning to foster cognitive, physical, and emotional development. Designed for infants through pre-kindergarten students, it emphasizes creativity, social-emotional growth, and kindergarten readiness. With low teacher-child ratios and NAEYC accreditation, we ensure a high-quality, inclusive environment tailored to diverse needs.
Social-Emotional Development
We prioritize social-emotional development through teacher-guided activities and peer interactions. Our curriculum cultivates empathy, self-regulation, and communication skills, preparing children to navigate relationships and challenges confidently. This approach helps students build resilience and a positive self-identity in a supportive setting.
Inclusive Environment
Our inclusive environment welcomes children of all abilities, backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses. By fostering interactions among diverse peers, we teach acceptance and celebrate individuality. This approach enriches learning experiences and prepares children to thrive in a multicultural world while building a strong sense of community.
Professional Development
We invest in ongoing professional development for our staff to maintain educational excellence. Training programs cover child development, inclusive practices, and innovative teaching methods. This commitment ensures our educators remain leaders in early childhood education, directly benefiting student outcomes and program quality.
Financial Assistance Programs
Our financial assistance programs, including workforce subsidies and Project Helping Hand, make high-quality education accessible. These initiatives support low-income families and those facing economic challenges, ensuring equitable access to our services without compromising teacher wages or program standards.
People
Cynthia Smith McCollum
Executive Director
Cynthia Smith McCollum leads Open Door Preschool with over 20 years of experience in early childhood education. Committed to equity and inclusion, she oversees strategic operations while advocating for accessible, high-quality programs that empower children and families across Austin.
Sheila Matthews
Director of Operations
Sheila Matthews manages daily operations at Open Door Preschool, ensuring smooth administrative and logistical functions. With a background in organizational leadership, she supports program delivery and staff development to maintain the preschools' high standards of care and education.
Krista Anderson-Hill
Director of Development and Community Relations
Krista Anderson-Hill builds community partnerships and secures funding to sustain Open Door Preschool' mission. Her expertise in nonprofit development strengthens donor relationships and expands resources, ensuring the preschools can continue serving diverse families in Austin.
Missy Sanchez
Site Director
Missy Sanchez leads the Central campus of Open Door Preschool, fostering a nurturing environment for children and families. With extensive classroom experience, she ensures the curriculum aligns with NAEYC standards while supporting staff and parent engagement.
LaTrice Jones
Site Director
LaTrice Jones directs the North campus of Open Door Preschool, focusing on inclusive education and family collaboration. Her leadership emphasizes cultural responsiveness and professional growth, ensuring a welcoming space where all children thrive academically and socially.
Questions
What curriculum approaches do you use?
We integrate Creative Curriculum, Reggio-Emilia, and Nature-Based Learning, all aligned with NAEYC guidelines. Our play-based approach prioritizes hands-on exploration and social-emotional growth.
How do you support children with special needs?
We provide inclusive classrooms with individualized support, trained staff, and low teacher-child ratios to ensure every child thrives in a nurturing environment.
Are meals provided for children?
Families provide lunch; we offer nutritious morning and afternoon snacks following a no-sugar policy to promote healthy eating habits.
Do you offer part-time enrollment options?
Yes, we provide part-time and after-school schedules, though full-time enrollment takes priority. Availability varies by classroom and location.
How can families get financial assistance?
We accept workforce tuition subsidies and offer Project Helping Hand, which provides limited funding for families who don't qualify for government aid but need support.
What are your operating hours?
Our North and M Station campuses operate 7:15 AM–5:45 PM; Central is 7:30 AM–5:30 PM. All locations are closed weekends and major holidays.
