Business Details
16 Years
experience
Premier Child Development Center in Houston
Founded in 2010, The Childhood Center is a family-owned and -operated private school dedicated to nurturing early childhood development. Our mission is to provide individualized, high-quality care for children aged 6 weeks through kindergarten, combining a structured educational environment with the warmth and support of a home. With low student-to-teacher ratios, our highly trained staff ensures each child receives personalized attention to foster emotional, social, and academic growth. Our curriculum is designed to instill a lifelong love of learning through age-appropriate activities that enhance motor skills, creativity, and cognitive development.We prioritize creating a safe, stimulating environment where children feel secure and encouraged to explore their unique interests. Our programs emphasize both academic excellence and holistic development, preparing students for success in first grade and beyond. By integrating STEM, language arts, and physical fitness into daily routines, we cultivate well-rounded individuals ready to thrive in diverse settings. The Childhood Center remains committed to innovation, drawing on decades of combined experience in early childhood education to meet the evolving needs of families in Houston.
Services
Infant Care
Toddler Care
Preschool
Pre-Kindergarten
Kindergarten
Spanish Program
Fitness Activities
Meal Program
Summer Camp
STEM Education
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We offer low student-to-teacher ratios for personalized attention.
- Our staff is highly trained in early childhood education and development.
- We create individualized learning plans tailored to each child's pace and interests.
- Our curriculum aligns with Texas state standards while exceeding expectations.
- We provide a safe, home-like environment that prioritizes emotional and social growth.
Services
Infant Care
Our infant care program provides a secure, nurturing environment for babies aged 6 weeks to 12 months. With a 3:1 student-to-teacher ratio, we focus on sensory development, motor skills, and early communication through personalized activities. Our staff works closely with parents and pediatricians to address developmental milestones while ensuring comfort and safety. The curriculum includes storytime, music enrichment, and bonding activities to foster trust and emotional growth.
Toddler Care
Designed for children aged 12 months to 2 years, our toddler program balances structured learning with free exploration. A 4:1 ratio allows caregivers to guide socialization, potty training, and fine motor development through play-based activities. Classrooms feature interactive walls, soft blocks, and themed centers for art, music, and science. Outdoor play on age-specific equipment promotes physical coordination and confidence in a secure setting.
Preschool
Our preschool program for 3-year-olds introduces foundational academic skills through teacher-guided learning centers. Children develop math concepts, literacy, and scientific thinking while engaging in group activities that build social-emotional competence. The curriculum emphasizes storytelling, creative expression, and problem-solving in a structured yet playful environment that prepares students for pre-kindergarten.
Pre-Kindergarten
Aligned with Texas state standards, our Pre-K program prepares 4-year-olds for kindergarten through advanced STEM and language arts instruction. Students explore complex math concepts, scientific methods, and literacy skills while developing independence and critical thinking. The curriculum includes library access, collaborative projects, and technology integration to build confidence for future academic challenges.
Kindergarten
Our kindergarten program extends beyond state standards to deepen literacy, numeracy, and scientific inquiry for 5-year-olds. Children engage in advanced reading comprehension, writing mechanics, and project-based learning that connects classroom concepts to real-world applications. The curriculum emphasizes creativity, leadership, and emotional intelligence to ensure students thrive academically and socially in elementary school.
People
Ann Marie Quaid
Executive Director
Ann Marie Quaid founded The Childhood Center after a career in child development and education. With a B.S. in Family and Child Development from Southwest Texas State University, she has worked across early childhood settings from infant care to fourth grade. Her leadership combines personal experience raising six children with business expertise from her husband, David, to create a school meeting diverse educational needs.
Angela Zacharias
Director of Organizational Development
Dr. Angela Zacharias oversees teacher training, curriculum design, and operational efficiency at The Childhood Center. A former program director at the American School of Puebla, she holds a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and certifications in human resources. Her work focuses on creating supportive environments for staff and students while aligning programs with educational best practices.
Questions
What age groups does The Childhood Center serve?
We provide care and education for children aged 6 weeks through kindergarten, with specialized programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, pre-kindergarteners, and kindergarteners.
What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
Ratios vary by age group: 3:1 for infants, 4:1 for toddlers, and 8:1 for preschool through kindergarten classes to ensure personalized attention.
Is there a summer camp program?
Yes, our 11-week summer camp offers themed activities including STEM, sports, theater, and outdoor exploration for children aged 6 weeks to kindergarten.
What curriculum standards do you follow?
Our programs align with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards while exceeding requirements through enriched STEM, language arts, and physical development curricula.
Are meals and snacks provided?
We offer a healthy meal program with milk, two snacks, and hot lunch daily. Parents may opt out to provide their own meals following our nutrition guidelines.
How do you support potty training?
Our Toddler III classrooms use positive reinforcement and accessible facilities to guide children through potty training at their own pace with staff support.
