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I tried to teach my child with books,He gave me only puzzled looks.

I tried to teach my child with words,They passed him by often unheard.

Despairingly I turned aside, How shall I teach this child, I cried.

Into my hands he put the key, “Come”, he said, “play with me!”

-Author Unknown

Adult, Graduate & Off Campus Student Services

3

Welcome to Bryan and College Station!

Howdy! The office of Adult, Graduate, and Off Campus Student Services would like to welcome you to Texas A&M University and

the Bryan/College Station community! At first glance this community looks like a college town but, rest assure, the area is very family friendly as well. There are a wide variety of services in the community and on campus to help make Bryan/College Station not only the place where you attend school, but a place that you and your family can call home.

This guide will provide you with a snapshot of the services available in the surrounding area that are considered child or family friendly. We hope to provide you with information that will be useful to you for everything from selecting a child care service to fun projects to do with your kids on the weekends.

Again, the Office of Adult, Graduate, and Off Campus Student Services would like to welcome you to the community. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you or your family.

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A Perfect PictureTable of Contents

Get Connected ...............................................................................5

Toy Library .................................................................................6-7

Rainy Day Activities ....................................................................8-9

Camps for Kids ............................................................................10

Kid-Friendly Destinations ...........................................................11

Top 10 Family Movies of 2008 ....................................................12

Top 10 Children’s Books .............................................................13

Kids Eat Free ...............................................................................14

Kid-Friendly Recipes ....................................................................15

Types of Child Care ................................................................16-17

Searching for Child Care ..............................................................18

Selecting Child Care ................................................................19-24

Playground Rules ..........................................................................25

After School Care .........................................................................26

Sick Child .....................................................................................27

Pediatricians .................................................................................28

Pediatric Dentists ..........................................................................29

Family-Friendly Campus Spaces ..................................................30

Local Child Care Listings ........................................................31-39

Children’s Center..........................................................................40

Local School Information.......................................................41-42

Local Date Ideas..............................................................43-44

References...................................................................45

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Get Connected!

Want to meet other Aggies with kids? Need to get the feeling like there are other parents out there? Aggies With Kids is an organization which allows its members to network through family events and mix and mingles. Members share experiences, concerns, advice and resources to aid fellow members in their personal and academic success.

Aggies with Kids

Join the group and the Listserv:To subscribe to the list, send an email to

listserv@listserv.tamu.edu and in the BODY put SUBSCRIBE kids-L your firstname lastname

For more information call 979.845.1741 or

stop by Cain Hall Rm. C-114.

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Brazos Valley Toy Library

Buying new toys can be expensive and children seem to grow out of them more quickly than you can buy them. Keep your child’s toy selection

fresh and exciting by using the Brazos Valley Toy Library. Your family can check out games, toys and puzzles for up to two weeks for a nominal fee. It works just like a library full of books, but with toys.

The toy library’s toy chest includes educational toys, toys that inspire creativity and toys that develop skills. They have toys for all ages (birth-8 years old) and many different interests. Come and cure boredom, alleviate storage problems and find resources for you and your family. Browse and socialize with other parents while your child plays.

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HOURSWednesdays 4:00-5:30pm

LOCATIONThe Boys and Girls Club

900 W. William. J. Bryan ParkwayBryan, TX 77801

COSTDues: $15.00/year

$10.00/6 monthsCheck out fees: $0.25-$0.50 per toy

PHONE979.229.3615

Brazos ValleyToy Library

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Rainy Day Activities

1. Visit The Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley. Conveniently located in Bryan, spend the day inside learning and playing with your children. For more information check out: mymuseum.com or call 979.779.5437.

2. Draw pictures or write letters to family members or friends who live far away. Spend some time talking with your children about drawing or writing a letter to update loved ones on what is new in the child’s life. You can get out a map or globe and show them just how far away their exciting news may travel.

3. Guess how much rain is going to fall. Measure how tall a cup is and then write down the children’s predictions for how much rain they think will fall. Put the cup outside and give a small prize or certificate to the best weather predictor.

4. Use a flashlight to create a shadow puppet show. During the show, get some paper and trace different shadows. Then decorate for some fun artwork after the show.

5. Play dress up with old clothes. Dig out old clothes and shoes; take pictures and have a contest to see who assembles the wackiest outfit. Have everyone pick out their favorite outfit and make up a play about how all of the crazy dressed people know each other.

6. Go ice-skating at Arctic Wolf Ice Rink. For more information go to www.arcticwolfice.com or call

979.693.3900.

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7. Make your own games. Make up your own pictionary or charades by having everyone write down a few suggestions and putting them in a hat. Take turns pulling a slip of paper out and drawing or acting out what is on them. Or, try dusting off your board games and have a tournament. Also, try making up new rules, play the game backwards or without talking. Try other games like hangman or tick-tack-toe.

8. Make homemade play dough: 1 1/2-2 cups boiling water3-4 tablespoons vegetable oilFood coloring2 cups flour4 teaspoons cream of tartarAdd oil and food coloring to boiling water. Combine remaining ingredients, and mix well. As you knead it, the dough will get smoother. Store in airtight container. Very pliable and easy to roll or sculpt.

9. Go to the library. Check out one of the local libraries. Some have children’s book clubs, which your child can join for free. If the library doesn’t have one, start your own club. Keep track of the books your child reads. Help them create a chart to proudly display all the books they have read. Visit www.bcslibrary.org for library information.

Rainy Day Activities

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Camps and Classes for Kids

T he following places provide classes or summer camps for children:

KINDERMUSIK- spend time with your child learning through music. Ages: Birth-7 years. For more information visit their web site at: www.kindermusikofcollegestation.com or call 979.693.0304.

CAMP COYOTE- traditional camp activities plus extras like horseback riding and scuba diving! For more information visit www.coyotecamp.com or 800.677.CAMP. Located just an hour from Bryan/College Station.

CBC SPORTS CAMP- Variety of sports offered, including football, tennis, basketball, and volleyball. For questions e-mail children@cbcbryan.org or call 979.776.9977.

ACADEMY OF MODERN MARTIAL ARTS- Offers summer camps and year-round classes. Contact them at 979.695.7150.

U-PAINT-IT- Offers classes in the summer and all year round for children to paint their own masterpieces. Call 979.695.1500 or check out www.upaintit.com.

ARCTIC WOLF ICE CENTER- Offers figure skating, freestyle skating, hockey lessons. For

more information, call 979.693.3900 or e-mail frostbite@arcticwolfice.com.

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Kid-Friendly Destination TripsHOUSTON (1.5 HOURS BY CAR) The Houston Zoo-www.houstonzoo.org The Children’s Museum of Houston-www.cmhouston.org Houston Museum of Natural History-www.hmns.org Houston Space Center-www.spacecenter.org Houston Arboretum and Nature Center- www.houstonarboretum.org Houston Funplex-www.funplex.org

AUSTIN (2.5 HOURS BY CAR) Tour the Capitol- www.tspb.state.tx.us/SPB/Plan/Tours/Tours.htm Zilker Botanical Gardens-http://www.zilkergarden.org Austin Nature and Science Center- http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/ansc/default.htm Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center- www.wildflower.org

SAN ANTONIO (3 HOURS BY CAR) The Alamo-http://www.thealamo.org/ The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum- http://www.buckhornmuseum.com/ San Antonio IMAX Theatre At Rivercenter- http://www.imax-sa.com/ The Guinness World Records Museum, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, and Davy Crockett’s Tall Tales Ride- www.haunted-guinness-crockett.com Mission Trails -San Antonio Missions National Historical Park- www.nps.gov/saan Fiesta Texas- http://www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas/

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Top 10 Family Movies of 2008

1. High School Musical 3: Senior Year (G)

2. Kung Fu Panda (PG)

3. Madagascar: Escape to Africa (PG)

4. Horton Hears A Who (G)

5. Bolt (PG)

6.The Tale of Despereaux (G)

7. Bedtime Stories (PG)

8. Marley and Me (PG)

9.Wall-E (G)

10. Nim’s Island (PG)

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Top 10 Children’s Books of 2008

1. THE PENCILAllan Ahlberg and Bruce Ingman

2. BIG WORDS FOR LITTLE PEOPLEJamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell

3. BATS AT THE LIBRARYBrian Lies

4. SPLAT THE CATRob Scotton

5. OODLES OF ANIMALSLois Ehlert

6. TOO MANY TOYSDavid Shannon

7. THE POUT-POUT FISHDeborah Diesen

8. ALPHABETMatthew Van Fleet

9. HELP ME, MR MUTTJanet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel

10. THE UMBRELLA QUEENShirin Yim Bridges

The Bryan/College Station public libraries offer storytime for infants, toddlers, and preschool children. For more information, visit www.bcslibrary.org/programs.html.

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Kids Eat Free!! (Or at least really cheap)

MONDAYPOTBELLY- Monday’s, kid’s 12 and under eat a free sandwich with purchase of an adult meal from 5-9pm.TEXAS ROADHOUSE-Monday’s, kid’s eat free from the kid’s menu up to $4.99 with the purchase of one adult entree from 3-10pm.

TUESDAYFAZOLI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT-Every Tuesday from 5-8pm Fazolis offers a Kids Night where kids can make fun craft items while enjoying the Fazoli food.APPLEBEE’S-Kids eat free from the kid’s menu from 11-1pm.CASA RODRIGUEZ- Kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult entree from 5-9pm.

WEDNESDAYLUBY’S CAFETERIA-$2.00 Kid’s Deal after 4:30pm.C&J BARBEQUE-Kids 12 and under eat free from kids menu with purchase of one adult entree from 6pm-9pm, dine-in only.DOUBLE DAVE’S-From 5:30-9pm, kid’s 7 and under eat free from child buffet with purchase of one adult buffet.

SATURDAYLUBY’S CAFETERIA-Kids ages 10 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult meal all day.

EVERYDAYDOUBLE DAVE’S- Kid’s 7 and under eat free from child buffet w/purchase of one adult buffet from 11:00AM-2:00PM. FREEBIRDS- Kid’s eat from the Little Monster Menu. Quesadilla w/rice and beans, for $3.22. Cheese Quesadilla $2.41. Steak or chicken Quesadilla w/beans and rice for $4.03 drinks includedMCALISTER’S DELI- Everyday, kid’s 12 and under eat pizza, a hot dog or kid’s nachos for $1.99, ham and cheese or turkey and cheese for $2.99.

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Kid Friendly RecipesPEANUT BUTTER & JELLYQUESADILLAS

1 teaspoon butter1 (10 in.) flour tortilla2 tablespoons peanut butter2 tablespoons grape jellyMelt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Spread one side of the tortilla with peanut butter. Fold tortilla in half so that the peanut butter is on the inside. Place the folded end tortilla in the skillet, heat 2 minutes on each side, until lightly browned. Slice into wedges, and dip in the jelly to serve.

APPLE TOAST

1 tablespoon butter4 slices white or whole wheat bread1 tablespoon cinnamon1 large apple, cored and thinly slicedSet oven to broil. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place apple slices on buttered side of bread. Sprinkle cinnamon on top. Place bread

on a baking sheet. Place in a preheated oven until toasted (about 2 minutes).

ENGLISH MUFFIN PIZZA

1 English Muffin1/3 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese1/2 sliced tomato or 2 tablespoons of pizza saucePepperoni or other toppings (optional)After slicing the English muffin, place the sauce and then the mozzarella cheese on each half. Top your “pizza” with a few pepperoni slices or other favorite pizza toppings. Place your completed pizza on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet in an oven preheated to 350 degrees or in a toaster oven. Bake for 5-10 minutes, depending on how crispy you would like the pizza, or until the cheese is golden brown.

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Types of Child Care

IN HOME CARE

LISTED FAMILY HOMES

Provides child care for 1-3 unrelated childrenMust complete application and background checkNo minimum requirements, orientation or trainingNot inspected unless a report of child abuse is filed

REGISTERED CHILD CARE HOMES

Provides child care for up to 6 children under the age of 14 May also care for up to 6 more school-aged children (no

more than 12 children total, including caregiver’s children) Application process requires an orientation class, background

check, and on site inspection. Re-inspected every 1-3 years and if child abuse is reported

LICENSED CHILD CARE HOMES

Provides care for less than 24 hours daily, for 7-12 children under the age of 14 years old.Have published standards they must follow and are inspected and monitored periodicallyOrientation and background checks are requiredOn-site inspection must be completed prior to beginning of care giving.

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Types of Child Care

OUT OF HOME CARE

LICENSED CARE FACILITIES

Provide care for 13 or more children under the age of 14 years oldHave published standards they must follow and are inspected and monitored periodicallyOrientation and background checks are requiredOn-site inspection must be completed prior to beginning of care giving

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“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.”

- Angela Schwindt

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The Search

Many experts say that when searching for a child care facility you should not limit yourself by ruling out types of facilities too early. Many parents state that making the

decision over a private home versus a non-home facility should be made after careful consideration.

STARTING THE CHILD CARE SEARCH

Begin by making a list of all the child care facilities that you would like to consider:

Set up a telephone interview with each of the facilities. A list of suggested interview questions can be found on page 19.If you are satisfied with the interview, schedule a visit to the facility. A list of suggested questions and things to look for can be found on page 21 and 23.It is suggested that parents visit a child care facility multiple times, at different hours, before making a final decision.After evaluating a number of facilities, choose the one that you believe best fits your child’s needs.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER WHEN DETERMINING CHILD CARE NEEDS

What are the developmental needs of your child’s age group?What qualities are you looking for in a caregiver? Be sure to consider experience and religious preferences, etc.What days will you need child care? Will you need child care

on any holidays?How much can you spend on child care per month?

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Selecting Child Care

SUGGESTED TELEPHONE INTERVIEW QUESTIONSFOR IN HOME PROVIDERS

Are you accredited through the National Association of Family Child Care?Do you have space for a child in my son/daughter’s age group?What are the ages of the other children in your home?Can you give me three references?What are your fees, hours, holidays/vacations?How many years of experience do you have?What training have you had?Do you plan to continue home care for at least a year?

FOR OUT OF HOME FACILITIES

Are you a licensed care facility?Do you have space for a child in my son/daughter’s age group?What are the ages of the other children in your facility?Can you give me three references?What are your fees, hours, holidays/vacations?How many years has your facility been open?How experienced are the child care givers?What training do your caregivers complete?What is your adult to child ratio for my child’s age level?

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Recommended Ratios

RECOMMENDED ADULT-TO-CHILD RATIOS

Infant (up to 12 months): 1 adult for every 4 babies. No more than 8 in a group

Toddlers (12-24 months): 1 adult for every 4 babies. No more than 12 in a group

Older Toddlers (24-30 months): 1 adult for every 6 toddlers. No more than 12 in a group

Preschoolers (30 months- 5 years): 1 adult for every 10 children. No more than 20 children in a group

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“Loving a child doesn’t mean giving in to all his whims; to love him is to bring out the best in him, to teach him to

love what is difficult.”-Nadia Boulanger

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Visiting the Facility

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING

Observe how the teachers interact with the children. Pay attention to their tone of voice, responsiveness, and how they assist children with activities.

Observe the overall cleanliness and appearance of both the teachers and the building.

Are hand washing and other cleanliness procedures followed correctly?

Are entrances/exits from the building secured, both to children sneaking out and strangers coming in? If there is an outside playground is it gated and well-secured?

Make sure there are ample opportunities for play: both educational and fun-based.

Outside play areas: Are they free of splintering wood? Do they use the proper surface and fencing? For more details on playground regulations see page 25.

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“The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children.”-Dietrich Bonhoeffer

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Notes

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QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN VISITING

Visiting the Facility

How long do employees typically stay with your facility?

What is the educational background of employees?

Is training/professional development required?

Are criminal background checks performed on employees?

How do employees talk with parents regarding a child’s needs or conduct?

What do you try to accomplish with the children?

How are the developmental needs of each age group met?

What is your typical daily routine?

What kinds of food are provided?

How many meals or snacks are provided?

What is the policy on television use? Are children allowed to watch TV or are they engaged in other ways?

Are places available for quiet play?

What are the disciplinary procedures and/or guidelines?

What happens when a child hits, bites, or uses inappropriate language?

What is the policy regarding a child who is ill and the parents cannot be reached?

Are “parent-teacher” conferences held? How often?

What are the policies and procedures for after-school care?

Can parents drop in?

What materials am I required to supply?

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Warning Signs

There are some signs that should indicate to a parent that a child care facility may not be the best for their children. These things, whether seen during a facility visit, or after

the child is in the facility’s care should be red flags.

The staff avoids or does not answer questions.

Parents cannot be involved in child care practices.

Child speaks of problems, or is not happy.

Activities are not planned, and children are left to entertain themselves.

There are not enough toys for the children to play with appropriately, and they are fighting over what toys are present.

Adults speak in negative ways.

The adults caring for the children do not seem interested in children and the kids seem to not be having a good time.

You feel uncomfortable in the facility.

The caregiver has lied or stolen from you.

Your child is unsupervised.

Your child becomes moody, withdrawn or has difficulty sleeping.

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Safe Playground Rules

Outdoor play is essential to developing motor skills in young children, but it can also be dangerous. Here are playground safety rules to look for:

ADEQUATE FALL ZONES: should be covered with a minimum of 12 inches of protective material (like mulch, rubber, etc) and cover a minimum of 6 feet around the structure. Fall zones for swings should extend out twice the length of the swing chain, both forward and backward.

SPACE BETWEEN PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT: there should be at least 12 feet between play structures.

GUARDRAILS PRESENT WHEN NECESSARY: should be on any type of elevated surface, such as walkways, ramps, etc. to prevent any accidental falls.

OPENINGS IN RAILINGS: should be no wider than 3 inches to prevent children from getting their heads or other body parts stuck or injured.

AGE APPROPRIATENESS: all playground equipment should be fitting for the age group that uses it. Toddler’s play equipment should be separate from older school age children.

PROPER SUPERVISION: are there ample adults to watch the children and help prevent injuries?

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After School Care

WHAT ARE MY CHOICES?

SCHOOL SITE CARE: this is often the most simple choice since there is no need for transportation from one site to the other. Some schools rearrange the cafeteria or a similar space to include activities, homework and snack stations.

AT HOME PROVIDER: a baby-sitter or nanny who can either pick-up the child or be at home waiting for them to get off the bus. This provides a lot of flexibility between quiet play at home and after-school activities.

LOCAL DAY CARES WITH BUS PICK-UP: it can be difficult to find quality child care with an after-school option. Day cares provide children with many play options, as well as other children to play with. This option is often most appealing when needing to make child care decisions for school and non-school aged children. Not all day care centers provide transportation to and from school.

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS: some churches, community centers and synagogues provide after-school programs. These programs vary greatly in cost and activities that are offered.

OTHER PARENTS: some neighborhood parents are willing to watch others’ children until they get home from school, or are available to carpool children to after-school activities such as music lessons.

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What if My Child is Ill?

WHEN YOU SHOULD KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME

Does he or she feel well enough to participate in activities? Lethargic or whiney children should stay home. Does the center have the ability to care for sick children? If no, child should stay home. Is the child’s illness contagious? If yes, the child should stay home.

A fever greater than 100 and child looks and/or acts ill

Uncontrollable coughing or wheezing, persistent crying, lethargy, difficulty breathingDiarrheaVomiting- should stay home for 24 hours after last episodeRash of any kind, especially when accompanied by a feverLicePink Eye

When you aren’t sure if your child should stay home ask thefollowing question: Would you want your child around childrenwith the same symptoms? If the answer is no, keep your childhome.

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IF YOUR CHILD HAS ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS, HE OR SHE

SHOULD STAY HOME:

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Pediatricians and Shots for Tots

ANILA PATEL

1201 Briarcrest Dr, Bryan979.776.9400

BCS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER

3370 Texas Ave, Bryan979.595.1700

BRAZOS FAMILY MEDICINE CENTER

1301 Memorial Dr, Ste 200, Bryan

979.776.8440

BRAZOS PHYSICIANS GROUP

1512 Holleman, College Station979.693.3313

BRYAN FAMILY MEDICINE CLINIC

2709 Osler Blvd, Bryan979.776.2200

CARE PLUS MEDICAL CENTER

3201 University Dr, Bryan979.774.7587

COLLEGE STATION FAMILY MEDICINE CENTER

1602 Rock Prairie Rd, College Station979.693.2586

SCOTT AND WHITE PEDIATRICS

1600 University Dr, College Station979.691.3000

UNIVERSITY FAMILY MEDICINE

1602 Rock Prairie Rd, College Station979.764.5900

LOCAL PEDIATRICIANS

SHOTS FOR TOTS

Free immunizations for children the third Thursday of every month from 2:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. at the St. Joseph Education Annex.

Bring previous shot records.

For more information call 979.731.1231.

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Children’s Dentists

PEDIATRIC DENTISTS

Gary Badger3318 Longmire, College Station

979.694.8877

Brazos Valley Pediatric Dentistry1712 Southwest Parkway, College Station

979.694.5200

Michael Calliham505 University Dr, Ste 401, College Station

979.260.4035

John Case1326 Memorial Dr, Bryan

979.776.8100

Herbert Wade1326 Memorial Dr, Bryan

979.776.8100

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Family-FriendlyCampus Space

FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTROOMS

Texas A&M University has more than 25 restrooms on-campus that are categorized as family-friendly. Restrooms that fall in this category may have a baby changing station or are single stall bathrooms with inside locking capabilities. All new construction on-campus will include this type of restroom facility. A searchable map of current facilities can be found at aggiemap.tamu.edu.

WORKPLACE LACTATION PROGRAM

On December 20, 2007, Texas A&M approved University Rule 31.99.99.M1: Workplace Lactation Program in support of mothers who are breastfeeding and require access to flex scheduling to coordinate milk expression during work hours. Accompanying the launch of the lactation rule, Administrative Services also created the Workplace Lactation Program to provide new mothers with packets containing information on breastfeeding, local support groups, privacy hangtags to use during milk expression breaks and a listserv to facilitate communication among employees who are nursing mothers. Mothers returning to work following childbirth can request a Workplace Lactation Packet by sending an e-mail to adminsvcs@tamu.edu. The Workplace Lactation Program is one of the reasons Texas A&M was designated in 2007 as a Mother-Friendly Worksite by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

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Local Child Care

The following pages outline child care providers in the Bryan/College Station area. A more detailed listing is available online at:http://studentlife.tamu.edu/agoss/resources/parents/childcare/

Here’s a key to the abbreviations used in the chart:

College Station- CSBryan- B

Navasota- N

Day Care- DCMontessori- M

After School- ASDay School- DSPre-School- PS

Drop-In- DIIn-Home- IH

Head Start- HS

Transportation Provided- TPPick-up- PU

Special Diets- SDChildren with Disabilities- CD

Limited- LSnacks Only- S

Local Child Care

Nam

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d A

ddre

ss

City

Pho

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Faci

lity

Typ

e

Lic

ensu

re

Reg

iste

red

A&M UMC Weekday School, 417 University Drive

CS 846-1762 DC x

Aerofit Child Development Cen-ter, 1900 W. Villa Maria

B 823-0971 DC x x

Aggieland Learning Center and Childcare, 206 Southwest Pkwy E.

CS 695-9778 DC x x

Big Top Learning Center, 906 Dansby

B 779-8778 DC x x

Brazos Valley Montessori, 3408 S. College

B 775-7000 M x x

Bright Beginnings Pre-School, 2525 E. Villa Maria

B 774-7750 DC x

Camelot Learning Center, 4232 Boonville Rd.

B 774-7116 DC x

Castles of Sand & Shells Childcare, 1314 Water St.

N936-825-

8422DC x

Champions (Bonham), 2801 Wilkes

B 778-2605 AS x x

Champions (Bowen), 4825 Copperfield

B 774-4907 AS x x

Champions (Carver), 1401 Martin Luther King

B 822-5957 AS x x

Champions (Crockett), 401 Elm St.

B 823-2851 AS x x

Champions (Fannin), 1200 Baker St.

B 823-7981 AS x x

Champions (Henderson), 801 Matous

B 823-2469 AS x x

Champions (Johnson), 3800 Oak Hill

B 260-8848 AS x x

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Aerofit Child Development Cen-ter, 1900 W. Villa Maria

B 823-0971 DC x x

Big Top Learning Center, 906 Dansby

B 779-8778 DC x x

Bright Beginnings Pre-School, 2525 E. Villa Maria

B 774-7750 DC x

Castles of Sand & Shells Childcare, 1314 Water St.

N936-825-

8422DC x

Champions (Bowen), 4825 Copperfield

B 774-4907 AS x x

Champions (Crockett),401 Elm St.

B 823-2851 AS x x

Champions (Henderson),801 Matous

B 823-2469 AS x x

(please note that this list spans across the fold)

Local Child Care

Hou

rs

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N>6

wks

Tod

dler

s

3-5

year

s

AS

TP

PU

Mea

ls

SD CD

7:30a-5:30p x x x x x x x

x x x x

6:30a-6:00px x x x x x

7:00a-5:30px x x x x x x x x x

x x x s x x

7:00a-6:00px x x x x

7:00a-5:45px x x x x x

x x x x x x x x

3:00p-6:00p L x x x x

3:00p-6:00pL x x x x

3:00p-6:00p L x x x x

3:00p-6:00pL x x x x

3:00p-6:00p L x x x x

3:00p-6:00p L x x x x

3:00p-6:00pL x x x x

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3:00p-6:00p L x x x x

3:00p-6:00pL x x x x

3:00p-6:00pL x x x x

x x x x x x x x

7:00a-6:00px x x x x

7:00a-5:30px x x x x x x x x x

x x x x

Local Child Care

Champions (Kemp), 1601 W. Martin Luther King

B 823-4941 AS x x

Champions (Mary Branch), 2040 W. Villa Maria

B 823-6939 AS x x

Champions (Milam), 1201 Ridge-dale

B 823-4941 AS x x

Champions (Mitchell), 2500 Aus-tins Colony

B 774-9228 AS x x

Champions (Navarro), 4520 Northwood

B 778-3604 AS x x

Champions (Neal), 801 W. Martin Luther King

B 823-4941 AS x x

Champions (Sam Houston), 450 Canterbury

B 774-1948 AS x x

Champions (Sul Ross), 3300 Park-way Terrace

B 823-2751 AS x x

Champions Afterschool Program, 1307 Memorial #203

B 209-2884 AS x x

Coventant Presbyterian Child Care Center, 220 Rock Prairie Rd.

CS 696-6484DC/DS

x x

First Baptist Child Care (Pre-school), 2300 Welsh Ave.

CS 696-7060 PS x

First Presbyterian Childrens Cen-ter, 1110 Carter Creek Pkwy.

B 779-6358 DC x

Fit For Kids, 206 E. Southwest Pk. CS 693-0757 DI x x

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Champions Afterschool Program,1307 Memorial #203

B 209-2884 AS x x

Champions (Sam Houston), 450Canterbury

B 774-1948 AS x x

Champions (Navarro), 4520Northwood

B 778-3604 AS x x

Champions (Milam), 1201 Ridge-dale

B 823-4941 AS x x

Champions (Kemp), 1601 W. Martin Luther King

B 823-4941 AS x x

First Baptist Child Care (Pre-school), 2300 Welsh Ave.

CS 696-7060 PS x

Fit For Kids, 206 E. Southwest Pk. CS 693-0757 DI x x

Local Child Care

3:00p-6:00pL x x x x

3:00p-6:00p L x x x x

3:00p-6:00pL x x x x

3:00p-6:00pL x x x x

3:00p-6:00p L x x x x

3:00p-6:00pL x x x x

3:00p-6:00pL x x x x

3:00p-6:00p L x x x x

3:00p-6:00p L x x x x

7:30a-5:30p x x x x

7:30a-5:30px x x L

7:30a-5:30p x x x x x x

M-Th: 6:30a-10p; F: 6:30a-1a; St: 9a-1a; Su: 12p-8p

x x x x x

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3:00p-6:00p L x x x x

3:00p-6:00pL x x x x

3:00p-6:00p L x x x x

3:00p-6:00pL x x x x

3:00p-6:00pL x x x x

7:30a-5:30px x x L

M-Th:6:30a-10p;F: 6:30a-1a; St: 9a-1a; Su: 12p-8p

x x x x x

Local Child Care

Fit For Kids Too, 3608 E. 29th St. B 846-1143 DI x x

Geri Polasek, 4100 Bedford B 776-1194 IH x

Golden Keys Learning Center, 246 Southwest Pkwy. E.

CS 693-9944 DC x

Hillcrest Baptist Church Mother’s Day Out, 4220 Boonville Rd.

B 776-0533 DO

Jack and Jill Preschool,403 Villa Maria

B 775-5187 PS x

Karla’s Kare, 3105 Maloney B 739-7686 IH x

Kiddie Castle Childrens Center, 2214 Cavitt

B 822-7147 DC x

Kids Klub / CSISD, 103 Timber, Rm. 4

CS 764-3831 AS

Kinder-Care #843, 937 Balcones

CS 696-9062 DC x

Kinder-Care Learning Center #841, 4351 Carter Creek Pkwy.

B 846-9938 DC x x

Lincoln Center, 1000 Eleanor St.

CS 764-3779 AS

Little Angels, 114 Ehlinger B 775-5175 IH x

Longmire Learning Center, Inc., 2718 Longmire Dr.

CS 764-2718 DC x x

Loving Tender Care, 3600 Shirley Dr.

B 778-4658 DC x

Miss Pams Kountry Kare, 4555 Forrest Ln

CS 690-6632 DH x

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Kinder-Care Learning Center #841, 4351 Carter Creek Pkwy.

B 846-9938 DC x x

Kids Klub / CSISD, 103 Timber, Rm. 4

CS 764-3831 AS

Karla’s Kare, 3105 Maloney B 739-7686 IH x

Hillcrest Baptist ChurchMother’s Day Out, 4220 Boonville Rd.

B 776-0533 DO

Geri Polasek, 4100 Bedford B 776-1194 IH x

Loving Tender Care, 3600 Shirley Dr.

B 778-4658 DC x

Little Angels, 114 Ehlinger B 775-5175 IH x

Local Child Care

M-Th: 7:30a-10p; F: 6:30a-1a; St: 9a-1a; Su: closed

x x x x x x x

7:30a-5:15p x x x x x x

7:15a-5:45p x x

T/R: 9:00a-3:00p x x x x

7:00a-6:00px x x x x x

7:30a-5:30p x x

6:45a-5:45p x x x x x x x x x

3:00p-6:00px x x x

6:00a-6:00px x x x x x x

6:30a-6:00p x x x x x x x

8:00a-9:00px x x sm x

7:30a-5:30p x x x x x x x x

7:15a-5:45p x x x x x x

6:30a-6:00px x x x x x x x x x

7:00a-5:30p x x x x x x x x

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7:30a-5:15p x x x x x x

7:30a-5:30p x x

T/R: 9:00a-3:00p x x x x

6:30a-6:00p x x x x x x x

3:00p-6:00px x x x

7:30a-5:30p x x x x x x x x

6:30a-6:00px x x x x x x x x x

Neal Child Development Center, 1306 Barak Lane

B 260-2679 HS x

Sonshine Station, 1706 E. 29th St. #105

B 821-2435 DS x

Southwood Learning Center, 1814 Sara Dr.

CS 693-6556 DC x x

St. Michaels Academy, 2500 S. College

B 822-2715 DC x x

St. Thomas Aquinas Child Development Center, 2541 Earl Rudder Freeway S.

CS693-6994 ext 121

DC x

St. Thomas Early Learning Center, 906 George Bush Dr.

CS 696-1728 DC x

Stepping Stone School, 900 University Oaks Blvd.

CS 693-0074 DC x x

Tiny Tykes, 1612 Armistead CS 693-5590 IH x

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Stepping Stone School,900 University Oaks Blvd.

CS 693-0074 DC x x

St. Thomas Aquinas Child Development Center,2541 Earl Rudder Freeway S.

CS693-6994ext 121

DC x

Southwood Learning Center, 1814Sara Dr.

CS 693-6556 DC x x

Neal Child Development Center, 1306 Barak Lane

B 260-2679 HS x

8:30a-2:30p x x x

7:30a-5:30p x x x s x x

7a-5:45p x x x s x

7:30a-5:30p x x x s

7:30a-5:30p x x x s x

8:30-11:45; 8:30-2:30

x x x x

6:30a-6:15p x x x x x

varied x x x x x x

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7a-5:45p x x x s x

8:30a-2:30p x x x

6:30a-6:15p x x x x x

7:30a-5:30p x x x s x

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Texas A&M University opened the Children’s Center, an on campus childcare center, at the beginning of the 1998 fall semester. It is conveniently located behind the University Apartments. The Center serves up to 162 children full-time. The hours of operations are 7:30 AM to 6 PM Monday -Friday. Enrollment at the Center is open to children age 12 months to 5 years, whose parents are students, faculty, or staff of TAMU.

The Center seeks to enroll children representing diverse cultural, ethnic, socioeconomic and linguistic backgrounds. The Children’s Center is dedicated to providing quality care and an individualized developmentally appropriate early childhood experience for the children. The staff establishes positive interaction, nurturing each child’s growth and education in a stimulating, secure and caring learning environment. Variety is vital for a child’s development. A balance of indoor and outdoor, individualized and group, quiet and active experiences are planned for each day.

The Center is also a demonstration site for many undergraduate and graduate students at TAMU, including those in early childhood, horticulture, architecture and construction science. These students are placed at the Center for various practicum, observation and community outreach experience in an effort to enhance their academic development. The Center is a mostly self-supporting program. Funding is derived from childcare tuition and fees, state and federal grants, student service fees and donations. The university provides additional facility support. A student childcare tuition rate is available for families who qualify. This rate is subsidized by student service fees. In addition, 40% of all childcare slots are for children of TAMU students. Wait list applications are available year-round and may be obtained on their Web site or by calling (979) 458-5437.

Children’s Center1125 Hensel Drive (physical address)

1479 TAMU (mailing address)College Station, TX 77843

(979) 458-KIDS (5437)Fax (979) 458-1010

Web site http://childrens-center.tamu.edu

Becky Gates Children’s Center

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Local School Information

COLLEGE STATION INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Web site: http://www.csisd.org

Their web site has links to all kinds of helpful information, such as: -Nutrition and lunch menus -Bus schedules -Meal payment link -Important phone numbers -Information about programs for children

The school district offers an after-school Kids Klub Program for children in kindergarten through 6th grade, available on eight campuses.

To register for the Kids Klub program you must go to:

CSISD Community Education Office103 Timber #4College Station, TX 77840Phone: 979.764.5430 Fax: 979.764.5483

FEESRegistration: $25/childTuition: $95/child--monthly $410/child--semester

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Local School Information Continued

BRYAN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Web site: http://www.bryanisd.org

Their web site has many links to other helpful information about the school district: -Information about all of the schools -The school board policies -Summer programs -Lunch menus -Important phone numbers

“Champions” is an after-school enrichment program that provides after-school care for PreK - 5th grade students at Bryan ISD elementary campuses.

For more information, contact:Keith RobertsPhone: 979.209.2884

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Out on the Town

We know that you love to spend time with your kids, but when was the last time you and your significant other had a night alone together? It’s hard to manage

all of the things you have going on, (the kids, school, work, homework, etc.), but it is important to find time to spend together as a couple.

WHO’S GOING TO WATCH THE KIDS?Finding a baby-sitter:

Alpha Phi Omega sponsors the “Parent’s Night Out” program. Members of the Texas A&M chapter of Alpha Phi Omega national service fraternity host a monthly “Parent’s Night Out” program. Parents Night Out (PNO) provides a free night of supervised baby-sitting for the children of any faculty, staff member or student at Texas A&M University. For further information contact Alpha Phi Omega at 979.862.2525.

Ask friends with kids if they would watch your children for the evening and return the favor the following weekend. Not only do you get a baby-sitter but the kids get a play-date as well.

Ask someone at your local place of worship or in your classes to refer you to someone they know or have used in the past.

Ask your day care provider if they know of anyone.

Ask a fellow classmate that you know and trust (College students are always looking to make a few extra dollars).

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Take your sweetheart out to one of these fun local establishments:

Spend the evening in Historic Downtown Bryan. Search for treasures among the numerous fine art, antique & gift shops, check out one of the nine fantastic restaurants and visit the oldest Carnegie Library in Texas.

Go to the movies! One of the greatest thing about Bryan/ College Station are the cheap movie deals. You can go to Cinemark or Premiere Cinema for under $4.00!

Try a meal at a place that is truly unique to the community. Choose from Chicken Oil Company, home of the best burgers in town; J.Cody’s for some real Texas BBQ; or Freebirds for a giant burrito made with all your favorite fixin’s.

Messina Hof Winery and Resort. Take a one hour tour of the facilities and learn about some of the finest wine in Texas. For more information call 979.778.9463.

Pack a picnic and head to one of the local parks for a fun afternoon get-away. For park listings check out www.ci.college-station.tx.us or www.bryantx.org.

For more great date ideas check out www.visitaggieland.com.

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Local Date Ideas

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References

BCS Moms: www.bcsmoms.com

Brazos Family and Health Magazine, Summer 2007

Brazos Valley Family and Kid’s Directory, Summer 2007 & Fall 2007

Bryan/College Station Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Visitor Planning Guide

Downtown Bryan Economic Development Association, Inc. Pamphlet

The Kid’s Directory—The Family Resource Guide—North Houston, April 2007

Messina Hof: www.messinahof.com

University of Arizona Off-Campus Housing Guide, 2005