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Emerald Wood KinderCare

This center is open: We're open to serve hardworking families in your community! Check out the new health and safety measures we've put in place to protect families and staff.

Address: 610 Emerald Wood Dr, Austin, TX 78745
Ages: 6 weeks to 10 years
Open hours:
Center Director: Casandra Thomas

Welcome to Emerald Wood KinderCare

Welcome to Emerald Wood KinderCare! We are located in Austin, TX. We are honored to educate children here in the South Manchaca, and South and East Congress area. We believe in developing the whole child, so we place an emphasis on assisting children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. We build a warm, welcoming, and supportive classroom for children of all abilities, backgrounds, and experiences. Everyone belongs in our circle — we love our families and meeting new friends!

Address: 610 Emerald Wood Dr, Austin, TX 78745
Elementary schools bussed to: St. Elmo and Cunningham
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Program Availability

Infant Daycare
Available
Toddler Daycare
Available
Discovery Preschool
Upcoming Availability
Preschool
Available
Before- and After-School
Upcoming Availability

If a program you are interested in shows "upcoming availability", contact the center today to learn more.

Casandra Thomas, Our Center Director

Meet Casandra Thomas, Our Center Director

At KinderCare Since: 2017

Favorite Children's Book: If You Give A Mouse A Cookie

Meet Casandra Thomas! She is the Center Director at Emerald Wood KinderCare in Austin, TX. Casandra has been with KinderCare for six years, and before that she was a teacher, program specialist, and an assistant director. Outside of work, Casandra enjoys kickboxing, reading, watching sports and movies, camping, and spending time with her family. Her favorite quote is, "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light." - Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter

Our classrooms are places to thrive! 
In our safe and healthy classrooms, your child will be engaged in learning experiences that meet them where they are, both socially and academically. With fun daily activities, passionate teachers, and great friends, a lifetime of confidence starts here. Contact the center director to learn more about our child care options and schedule a tour! 

Emerald Wood KinderCare Programs

Infant Programs (6 weeks–1 year)

Leaving your baby in someone else’s care is a big step. Everyone at our centers—most importantly, our naturally gifted infant teachers—will work with you to make sure the transition goes smoothly. When you step into our infant classroom, you’ll see how much we want your infant to feel safe, loved, and ready to explore their world.

Toddler Programs (1–2 Years)

Everything in our toddler classroom is designed for little explorers. That’s because a lot is going on at this age. When your child is wandering all over the place, that means they’re learning and discovering new things every day. We’ll help them explore their interests (and find new ones!) as they play and learn.

Discovery Preschool Programs (2–3 Years)

This age is filled with so much wonder and curiosity. That’s why we offer a ton of books and toys and bring artwork down to kids eye level. Children in discovery preschool also begin to learn how we all work together in a classroom. Simple math and science, pretend play, and group play help them get used to a more structured school setting.

Preschool Programs (3–4 Years)

This age is all about expression, when kids really start to form their own ideas about what they want to play and how they want to create. Every day in our preschool classroom, your child will explore science experiments, create artwork, and play pretend—all the skills needed for their big next step: kindergarten!

Prekindergarten Programs (4–5 Years)

When you walk into one of our pre-K classrooms, you’ll see artwork and writing displayed around the room. Labels are everywhere to help kids connect letters with words. You’ll also see pictures on the walls that reflect the families in our community. Your child will also deepen their knowledge in language, math, science, Spanish, and social skills.

Before- and After-School Programs (5–12 Years)

You can count on us to provide reliable care for your school-ager while you’re at work, with safe transportation from our center to your child’s school and back! Whether your child wants to start a drama club, build a volcano, or create a comic book, they will have a place to follow their dreams. Your child will start and end the day with a whole lot of fun!

School Break Programs (preschool, prekindergarten, and school-age)

Winter break, spring break, summer break—when school’s out (but you still need to work), you can count on KinderCare to provide a safe and supportive learning environment that’s focused on fun. We welcome children ages 5–12 during school break times and make sure they have a sensational, screen-free experience they won’t forget.

Participating Child Care Aware Center

KinderCare partners with Child Care Aware® of America to offer fee assistance for Active Duty military families and flexible support to fit their needs when care at a Child Development Center on the installation is not available.

Learning Adventures - Enrichment Program

Cooking Academy™ (3 – 12 Years)

In Cooking Academy, kids learn new recipes from cultures around the world and develop a healthy relationship with food. They’ll whip up everything from Southwest rainbow lettuce wraps to pumpkin muffins, building their skills in STEM, communication, and more along the way. And yes—little chefs get to eat their culinary creations!

Music Explorers™ (2 – 4 Years)

KinderCare families are already giving a standing ovation to our newest Learning Adventures program: Music Explorers! Kids will learn to sing, move, listen, play instruments, and even create their own tunes. Our original curriculum blends math, science, social studies, literacy, and mindfulness (think yoga!) for a uniquely KinderCare way of learning the foundations of music.

Phonics Adventures® (2 – 4 Years)

Learning how to read is a whole lot of fun at KinderCare! We help kids grow to love books and words (and get ready for kindergarten) in our Phonics Adventures program. From discovering the basics of vowels to practicing poetry, kids learn all about letters and sounds in small-group lessons made just for their age group. (Bonus: Kids who attend our phonics program are more prepared than their peers for school—and we have the data to prove it.)

STEM Innovators (3-8 Years)

You’ve probably heard a lot about how important STEM education is for your child, but what does that really mean? Our STEM Innovators program takes kids’ natural ability to make sense of the world and applies it to robotics, chemistry, coding, geology, and more. While your child experiments, they’ll discover how to use technology to do amazing things!

Family Stories

Don't take our word for it. Hear what our families have to say about our amazing center! If you have a story about your experience at KinderCare, please share your story with us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What accreditations does KinderCare have?

Do you offer part-time schedules at Emerald Wood KinderCare?

How does naptime work at Emerald Wood KinderCare?

Do you support alternative diets?

Are meals included in tuition? Can I choose to send my child with lunch?

Does my child need to be potty-trained?

About KinderCare

This is what learning looks like
Accreditation
This is what learning looks like
Accreditation

Child Care You Can Trust

IT’S MORE THAN DAYCARE, IT’S KINDERCARE!

Whether your child is just starting to explore the world or on their way to big-kid school, we have exactly what they need to foster their love of learning and build confidence. See proof that our Early Foundations® curriculum prepares kids for kindergarten, elementary school, and beyond!

Accreditation

LEADING THE WAY AS AMERICA’S MOST ACCREDITED CHILD CARE PROVIDER.

Accreditation means that every aspect of our programs, from teacher training and classroom safety to our top-notch curriculum, is backed by third-party experts who’ve given their seal of approval.

Learn more about accreditation

This is what learning looks like
Accreditation

Meet Our Classroom Heroes

From ABCs and 123s to social-emotional skills and problem-solving, our amazing teachers build kindergarten readiness and Confidence for Life™.

See how they bring learning to life at every age and stage!

Infants playing
Toddlers with teachers
Discovery Preschool kids
Preschool kids
Prekindergarten kids
Infants playing
Toddlers with teachers
Discovery Preschool kids
Preschool kids
Prekindergarten kids

Babies Are Reaching New Milestones

Babies are giggling, wiggling, and exploring the world one tiny step at a time! In our infant classrooms, little ones are discovering language, experimenting with problem solving, and practicing social and emotional skills.

Toddlers Learn Through Creating, Playing, and Exploring

Toddlers are on the move! At this age, that’s totally normal as they learn and discover the world around them. In our toddler classrooms, they’re building confidence through creating art, learning their ABCs, imaginative play, and so much more.

Discovery Preschoolers Practice Independence

Discovery Preschoolers are channeling their creativity, learning how to express themselves, practicing motor skills, and experimenting with language and literacy in new, exciting ways.

Preschoolers Are Building So Many New Skills

Preschoolers are exploring science experiments, creating artwork, and playing pretend with friends. We’re also boosting literacy and social skills through letter-building and group art projects!

Prekindergarteners Are Doing Art, STEM, Letters, and More

Prekindergartners in our classrooms are organizing their ideas, problem-solving, and showing their creative side through hands-on, engaging activities—all the skills needed for their next big step: kindergarten!
Infants playing
Toddlers with teachers
Discovery Preschool kids
Preschool kids
Prekindergarten kids

Teachers You Can Trust

When we say we’ve got the best teachers around, we really mean it. You can rest assured that every team member clears rigorous national and state background checks. Plus, our hiring process includes the Gallup® Talent Assessment to make sure we hire educators who have that special something it takes to work with kids.

gallup
gallup

8-time Gallup® Exceptional Workplace Award Winner

Every year we check in with our amazing team to survey how engaged they are, and for 8 years running we’ve earned the Gallup® Exceptional Workplace Award! We’re the first and only early childhood education provider recognized, and one of just two companies worldwide to receive the honor eight years in a row.

gallup

Peace Of Mind From Drop-Off To Pick-Up

Child care isn’t just about caring for children—it’s about families and communities too! We’re committed to valuing the experiences and traditions you bring with you and honoring them within our community. Whenever you step through our front door, you’ll know that you’re in a place where your family is safe, happy, and celebrated for who they are.

Read on to see the KinderCare difference.

KinderCare App
boy playing
messaging icon
mom and infant
KinderCare App
boy playing
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mom and infant

Stay In Touch With The KinderCare App

Ever wonder what your little learner does all day? Download the KinderCare App. With a few taps, you can send messages to your center director, check on your child’s progress, and even get photos of all the fun they’re having.

Here’s a sneak peek of how it works!

Find Your Partner In Parenting

Our teachers join forces with families to help kids become lifelong learners while building confidence to live happy and healthy lives.

Take a moment to watch a KinderCare teacher and mom chat about how we’re the ultimate partners in parenting.

Hear From Families Like Yours

When it comes to deciding on a child care center, we know there’s nothing quite like hearing from the KinderCare community.


“As a parent, I entrust my greatest blessing to the staff at KinderCare every day, and I am grateful for the loving care and guidance he receives." 
- Becky T.

Get Judgment-Free Tips And Innovative Ideas

If you haven’t yet, check out our KinderCare blog. It’s where you can find answers to your questions about parenting, education, and health and safety, and even get inspired to bring more learning home.

See how you stay in the loop.

KinderCare App
boy playing
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mom and infant
Nearby Centers in Austin, TX
1. South Congress KinderCare
1.19 miles away: 6434 S Congress Ave Austin, TX 78745
Ages: 6 weeks to 8 years
Open:
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