Frequently Asked Questions

What is Emerson Academy?
Emerson Academy is an inclusive child development center that serves children ages 6 weeks to 6 years, with and without special needs. Each of the six classes will consist of children with varying abilities, from typically developing children, or children with above average abilities, to children with special needs. Our child-centered program emphasizes hands-on, literacy based learning opportunities that promote a lifelong love of learning. Activities are tailored to meet each child’s unique needs and stages of development.
Our preschool class offers opportunities for children to learn in a mixed-age (3-6 years) setting with their peers. This coopertaive learning environment allows children to learn and grow with the same teachers and peers through their preschool years and encouarges them to reinforce their learning by helping others.

Read about the benfits of Mixed-Age Classrooms

What is the monthly tuition?
We recommend you call or come by to discuss your child's needs in order for us to provide you with an accurate price. There are price breaks available for part-time enrollment versus full-time as well as sibling discounts. The age group of your child also determines the monthly fees for care at our facility. Our registration form is available on our website or you can stop by the center and pick up a registration packet.

In the event that there are no vacancies in your child’s age group we can add your child to our waiting list. There is a $75 fee for the waiting list.

What are the hours of operation?
Emerson Academy is opened Monday through Friday, from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, all year round. We are closed for the following holidays: New Year's Day (January 1st), Memorial Day (May), 4th of July, Labor Day (September), Thanksgiving Day (and the following day), and the week of Christmas.

What curriculum does Emerson Academy use?
Emerson Academy uses literacy-based thematic units in all of our classes, starting with the infants. The literacy-based thematic units are broken down into 1-3 week units of study. Each unit extends the learning theme into the following areas: language arts, science/social studies, math, fine/gross motor development, sensory development, and social/emotional development. Examples of units are: Dr. Seuss, the farm, winter weather, families, and dinosaurs. We also offer an enrichment program in which the children learn Physical Eduation and computer skills.

In addition to classroom learning, the children will have the opportunity to interact with farm animals and try their hand at gardening in our Junior Master Gardener program.

What are the ratios of teachers to children in each age group?
The following ratios are *standard for each age group at Emerson Academy:

Infants (6 weeks-12 mos) 1:4 (no more than 8 infants)
Young toddlers (12-24 mos.) 1:5 (no more than 10 toddlers)
Toddlers (18 mos.-3 years) 1:6 (no more than 12 toddlers)
Preschool (3-5 yrs.) 1:8 (no more than 16 preschoolers)
PPCD After School 1:4 (no more than 8 preschoolers)

*We do offer a lower teacher-child ratio for children with special needs. An additional fee of $600/month for full-time care will be added to tuition rates if a one-on-one is needed.

What are the qualifications of the teachers?
The teachers and teaching assistants in all of our classes have experience working with children of various ages and abilities. All of the teachers are trained in child development, first-aid, and CPR and are trained to follow the State guidelines (known as the Minimum Standards) for child-care. In addition, the lead teachers in the 2-5 year old classes have college degrees and/or certifications in fields related to children, such as Education, Social Work, Child Development, Psychology, and Social Sciences.

Does Emerson Academy provide meals?
Emerson Academy provides two nutritious snacks a day. Each snack will consist of: protein, fruit/vegetable, and a whole grain. An example snack is applesauce, cheese cubes, and whole-wheat crackers. Special diets will be accommodated, but the caregivers are responsible for providing up to date information on dietary needs.
Emerson Academy works with Lunch Direct, a catering service, to provide hot lunches to our students. Parents are able to order healthy lunches online via LunchDirect.

Every child that is eating solid foods should bring a nutritious lunch to school daily. Please note that we are a PEANUT FREE facility. Please do not send peanut products to school with your child to ensure the safety of our all of our students.

What services are available for children with special needs?
An Individual Education Plan (IEP)--for children ages 3-6 years--or an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP)--birth to three years--will be developed for children with disabilities that qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IFSPs and IEPs will be developed upon entering the school or upon completion of an evaluation. The IFSP/IEP is a developmental assessment that documents your child's strengths and areas for improvement. Each classroom teacher will plan and implement activities based on each child's IEP/IFSP.

Speech, Occupational, Behavioral, and Physical therapy services can be arranged through private therapy clinics, local school districts, and/or Early Childhood Intervention providers. Parents/guardians are responsible for arranging these services. We have a "gym" equipped with gross motor and fine motor equipment therapist can utilize to help the children focus on specific skills they are working on, and the child doesn't have to travel to therapy.

Contact Us

1 Valley View Drive
Round Rock, Texas 78664

(512) 252-0400
(512) 252-0401

Sarah Johnson, Administrator
Email: Sjohnson@emerson-academy.com

Stacey Bell, Business Director
Email: Sbell@emerson-academy.com

JoAnne Egitto, Program Director
Email: Jegitto@emerson-academy.com