Frequently asked questions.
Answers to what families ask us most, grouped by topic.
Days and hours
What ages do you serve?
We serve children 6 weeks to 5 years, in Infant, Pre-Toddler, Toddler and Preschool rooms. Room placement depends on availability, your schedule and your child's development.
What are your hours?
Our school day runs 8:15 am – 2:30 pm, Monday–Friday. Aftercare runs 2:30 – 5:00 pm for an additional fee, based on availability.
Can we go part time?
Yes — we offer 5-day, 3-day and 2-day schedules. See the exact days and rates on the Tuition page.
Do you offer aftercare?
Yes, aftercare runs 2:30 – 5:00 pm for children already enrolled in a program, based on availability and an additional fee.
When are you closed?
We follow a school-year calendar with holidays, staff days and a break each summer. See the full Calendar page for every date.
Daily life
How much time do children spend outside?
Every child gets at least 1.5 hours of outdoor play a day. Our Preschool room heads outside first thing most mornings, out until about 10:30.
Do you provide meals or snacks?
Families pack snacks and lunch each day — Austin Play Garden doesn't provide food. Infant and Pre-Toddler rooms have refrigerators, and labeled breast milk is always welcome.
Can we use cloth diapers?
Yes — just talk with your child's teacher about storage.
What is the art studio?
Our art studio (the Atelier) is led by a full-time art teacher and centers on child-led process art, using mostly recycled and repurposed materials — never templates. Visit the Art Studio page to see it.
How do you communicate with families?
We communicate through the Famly app, including daily updates and newsletters.
Safety and care
What are your ratios?
See each program's ratio below.
- Infant: 2 teachers for 7 children, plus a support teacher
- Pre-Toddler: 2 teachers for 10 children, plus a support teacher
- Toddler: 2 teachers for 14 children, plus a support teacher
- Preschool: 2 teachers for 18 children
Is the building secure?
Doors stay locked from the outside with panic-bar hardware. The main entrance is only unlocked at drop-off and pick-up — call ahead any other time.
Are staff trained in CPR and first aid?
Yes — every staff member is trained in CPR and first aid, renewed every two years.
Can you give medication?
Yes, with written instructions and your signed authorization on file.
Are you licensed?
Yes — Austin Play Garden is licensed by Texas Health and Human Services, operation #1597937. You can look us up on the state's public child-care search.
Tours, tuition and the waitlist
When can we tour?
Tours run 9:15 – 11:15 am or 2:45 – 4:15 pm. Pick whichever window works for your family when you schedule.
How much is tuition?
See our Tuition page for current rates by program and schedule.
How does the waitlist work?
First, schedule a tour. Then join the waitlist with a $150 non-refundable fee, applied toward the $250 registration fee, plus a short Famly inquiry form.
Is there a supply fee?
Yes — a $150 supply fee is collected each August and January.
Come see the classrooms and the art studio.
Pick a morning or afternoon tour (9:15 – 11:15 am or 2:45 – 4:15 pm). After your visit, joining the waitlist takes three short steps.