Expat Infants Guide
Houstonians are often dual-income parents where both parties work. Therefore, child care is very popular and common. Many Houstonians drop their children off at child care before heading to work. In or out of home baby sitters are also popular (see the Baby-sitter Section for more information). More affluent parents may choose a part-time, or even live-in, nanny.
Nannies
Some parents prefer to hire an au pair from a foreign country as a nanny which is very popular for this type of work. When picking locals, many Hispanics work as daytime nannies. Prices generally range around $100 weekly with prices going upwards depending on number of children and neighborhood income.
The best way to find a nanny is to check the online classifieds. Craigslist is a very popular online service as it is free and lists the general area in the ad: http://houston.craigslist.org/kid.
For professional nanny services, you can check the ads in the local newspaper, the Houston Chronicle, and the Yellow Pages.
A good website to find a good match in a nanny is Sittercity – 888-748-2489 – http://www.sittercity.com/child-care-babysitters.html
To find a matching Au Pair, visit Great Au Pair – http://www.greataupair.com or Au Pair – http://www.aupair.com.
Child Day Care Schools
Child care schools range anywhere from $200 to $400 a month, depending on age of child and services provided. Children are generally divided up into small groups.
- Montessori Schools – 713-520-6801 – http://www.montessoridowntown.com
Many parents like this type of structured day care or early childcare program over traditional day care programs. Ages range from infants as young as 3 months old. Activities include story time, music time, play time which is indoors or outdoors, depending on weather.
Several locations with one downtown: 4701 San Jacinto, Houston, TX 77004, 713-524-4555 - Crème De La Crème – 713-827-7292 http://www.cremedelacreme.com
A popular and convenient location for parents to drop off and pick up their children coming and going into downtown. The program for infants starts for children as young as 6 weeks to 12 months old. Activities include reading, music, stimulation, etc.
There are two locations in Houston. The downtown location is at: 1400 San Jacinto at Clay St., Houston, TX 77002, 713-655-7682 - LaPetite- http://www.lapetite.com
A day care center that also offers early childhood education programs, and starts for infants at 6 weeks. Activities include reading and playing to stimulate cognitive and physical development.
Several locations found throughout the city, one of them at: 1810 W. 18th St., Houston, TX 77008, 713-862-8092 - Primrose Schools – http://www.primroseschools.com
Infants as young as weeks old with activities such as exploring, music, play time, etc.
Several locations, one at: 6909 Lake Woodlands Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77382, 281-681-3500 - The Children’s Courtyard, 1-877-624-2604 – http://www.childrenscourtyard.com
Day care center also from early childhood to school age programs. Infants as young as 6 weeks are offered activities in reading, play time, and music with focus on development.
Several locations with one at: 16255 Longenbaugh, Houston, TX 77095, 281-858-5246 - German Language Center, 713-524-0346 – http://www.glchouston.com
Pre-K and a Kinderspiel Summer Program is offered by the English-German bilingual Pre-School /Kindergarten for children between 2 ½ – 6 years. Located at: 3516 Mt. Vernon St, Houston, TX, 77006
Mother and Toddler Groups
Most religious establishments, such as mosques or churches offer mother and toddler groups, so they are often the most commonly used programs for new city residents with faith. See our “Worship” section for contact details of places of worship.
In addition to these groups, it is recommended to consider http://www.meetup.com as this website offers the ability for residents to organize their own groups at various locations throughout the city. Also, if living in an active neighborhood or suburb, check the local newspaper as many events are listed there for the community center.
The Motherhood Center, 3701 W. Alabama (@ Timmons), Suite 230,713-963-8880, http://www.motherhoodcenter.com
Offers support to pregnant women as well as new parents; They have a variety of classes such as Family Yoga, Music for Children and more.
