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Nicholson Early Childhood Education Center

Nicholson Early Childhood Education Center

AUSTIN, TX
5.0(15 reviews)
Play-based
Open EnrollmentNAC accredited

At a Glance

0

Trust Score

Based on comprehensive analysis of reviews, safety records, and operations.

Monthly
$280 - $625
Ages
1mo - 5yr
Capacity
95 kids
Ratio
1:5
Meals
Included

About Nicholson Early Childhood Education Center

Nicholson Early Childhood Education Center

Led by Dr. Shelley Nicholson, who holds a Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education and brings over 30 years of experience, our center is built on a foundation of research-backed pedagogy. We prioritize a relationship-oriented environment where "everybody knows everybody." Our small class sizes and low teacher-to-child ratios—1:5 for toddlers and 1:8 for preschoolers—ensure that every child receives individualized attention and guidance as they explore our emergent, play-based curriculum. The facility is designed with intentionality, featuring dedicated learning centers for blocks, science, and art, alongside a shady outdoor playground and sensory tables. Beyond daily classroom activities, children participate in monthly "Sociodramatic Play Events" that foster advanced symbolic play. We are a nationally recognized program offering a nurturing space where the joy of learning is celebrated through music, movement, and hands-on discovery.

play-basedlow-ratioaccreditedhalf-dayoutdoor-play

What Parents Say

5 reviews from parents

R
Rachel Kania
Jan 2025
Google

I am SO grateful to have found Shelley and the Nicholson Center. Shelley is so on top of all aspects of the school and she is incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about early childhood development. My daughter has been going to Nicholson since she was 18 months old and I truly feel like she’s getting an incredible education there. Every staff member is happy and enjoying their work… the environment is clean and organized and each day is filled with activities catered to the child’s age and interest. I would highly recommend to any fellow parents of young ones.

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Ian Havers
Jul 2023
Google

I have to share how wonderful this preschool has been for my family. Both of my children have gone here over the last 9 years. My youngest is starting her final year before kindergarten, and I’m emotional just thinking about leaving. Most of the staff has been there for years, the director/owner has a PhD in early childhood education, and the class sizes are small. My children have made the best of friends, love going to school, and have opportunities to grow with kind, gentle guidance that follows the latest research of how children develop best. I can’t recommend this school enough.

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Hemalatha M
Aug 2017
Google

Nicholson is a very good school.... My kid really loved the school. Ms Shelley always ensure quality to the parents. My son was there was for six months and every single day he comes home with activity sheets and art work . They dont force the kids to do things. and they teach some practical life .. CLEANLINESS is always there and I loved that. They only have school until 3pm ...If they extend the time till 6pm, it would be comfortable for working moms.... Overall its is a great school!

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Caitlin Hart Training
Dec 2014
Google

My daughter is a clingy child, very sweet, very loving, but has always been a bit wary of strangers. So trying to find a mother's day out program that would suit her personality as well as give me peace of mind was very difficult for me. Finally, after touring the Nicholson Early Childhood Education Center, I felt at ease. The director of the school is obviously at the top of her game as far as childhood development is concerned, she knows her stuff. They use positive affirmation and avoid negative disciplining techniques that I have seen in other schools. My daughter is in the youngest class, the owls, and she absolutely loves her teacher. She still cries when I drop her off, but she reaches for her teacher and stops as soon as I'm no longer in sight. Whenever I pick her up, she is happy and almost always has at least one painting or art project to bring home. I also love that they provide a snack and hot lunches! It makes it so much easier for me than having to plan and pack a lunch on the days she goes. Right now she is on a 2 day schedule. I love that they let me choose which days she attends, and I was able to make it work for my part time work schedule. I highly recommend this school. Of all the places I toured, and there were many, this was the only one that made me feel comfortable enough to leave my daughter here.. and I still feel that way several months into her attending!

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Sarah Jesser
Nov 2012
Google

My 2 year old daughter has been at Nicholson for 5 months. I am continually impressed and delighted by the quality of this preschool. Everything that Miss Shelley and her teachers do is intentional, well-planned, and seems to have a strong basis in pedagogy. The education is so sound, and yet, at the same time, it is a FUN school for my little girl! The environment is cheery and welcoming, and the children get to participate in all sorts of imaginative and cooperative play. In her classroom, which is for the littlest kids, there is a different activity in the sensory table every morning, and toys set out on the tables that often reflect the theme of the week. My daughter loves the school, which is so telling. The student to teacher ratio is lower than any other preschool I've seen in this area. I can't say enough about Nicholson. Bravo!

Web Report

Aggregated insights from public records & parent discussions

Safety Record

No safety concerns, major violations, or legal issues were found in public news or licensing records. The facility maintained a perfect score of 100 on its most recent food establishment inspection conducted by the City of Austin on July 21, 2025. It is a state-licensed child care center (Identifier 1201867) with a capacity for 129 children.

Parent Reputation

The center maintains an exceptionally positive reputation among parents, often described as a 'gem' in local parent forums like Reddit. Feedback consistently highlights the personal involvement of the director and the nurturing, creative environment provided by the staff. Testimony from families emphasizes significant developmental strides and a high level of trust in the facility's safety and educational quality.

Staff Insights

The center is led by Director Dr. Shelley Nicholson, who holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Texas at Austin and has over 30 years of experience in early childhood education. Staffing is focused on maintaining low teacher-to-child ratios to foster a caring community. While specific employee reviews on major platforms are limited, the director's professional background includes leading teacher education seminars and publishing research on professional development for child care providers.

Quick Information

Address
12233 Ranch Rd 620 N #201, Austin, TX 78750, USA, AUSTIN, TX, 78750 1069
Phone
(512) 243-6539
Hours
Monday7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed
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