North Texas Real Estate Blog

Accepting a new job and relocating your family can be an overwhelming experience.  One of the most difficult parts of moving to a Southlake, Texas home—or southeast of here in the Grapevine, Colleyville, Euless and Bedford area—is having the confidence that your treasured small children will be taken care of properly while you are working.  You also want to know that they will be attending good schools in North Texas neighborhoods. 

Thankfully, a wide variety of quality childcare resources are in place near homes in Southlake TX, including several Montessori schools, between here and major employers around the DFW airport.  North Texas real estate includes more than 200 childcare facilities.  Many are nonprofit, church and community sponsored centers.  There are private centers and company-sponsored childcare facilities. 

As the providers differ, so do the needs of parents and children.  Some parents are looking for a larger facility with state-of-the-art equipment; others want a home-based operation.  Many facilities now accommodate very young newborns and others begin at age 3 or 4.  Many working parents need to find a provider that offers afterschool care, part-time care, or weekend care.

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services recommends following a step-by-step path to choosing the right childcare for your children.  First of all, create a list of possible licensed providers.  Much of the pertinent information you need can be found in the facilities’ history of inspections online.

Narrow down the list and make appointments to visit each one for an initial tour.  The next step is to casually drop in on your favorites during a second visit when you are not expected to observe how safe and healthy the environment actually is from the parents’ vantage point.  Are there ponds, pools, or water features that could lure a small child into danger?  How does the facility ensure the safety of the children?

Children all adjust differently to moving from familiar surroundings to new ones.  Once you decide on a facility, speak with your child about the exciting new adventure at school and the new friends waiting to meet him.  It is best to stay in the classroom for a time each day until you are sure that your child is happy and secure in his or her new school.  Listen to your child’s concerns and encourage any accomplishments that are shared with you.

It is important to stay involved with your child’s caregivers.  If they are too busy at drop-off and pick-up times, make special appointments to discuss any concerns.