Quality child care in Austin
The First English Lutheran Child Development Center is a non-profit, accredited child care center centrally located in Austin, TX. We provide full-day, year-round child care in a safe and nurturing environment for children ages 6 weeks - 5 years old, including an infant care classroom. First English Lutheran Child Development Center also provides part-time child care for children ages 2-5 years old as part of either our morning or afternoon half-day child care program.
We are located near the University of Texas campus and have served the community as an outreach program of First English Lutheran Church since 1972. Scroll down to see photos of our recently renovated facilities.
Our mission.
Our mission is to provide a quality childcare experience that helps each child develop cognitively, physically, socially and emotionally.
Our values
We believe in the value of human diversity and the fair treatment of all.
All children have the right to feel good about themselves and it is the responsibility of all teachers to nurture every child’s self-esteem.
The home is the most important factor in a child’s development. We will always strive to support and complement the family to promote the healthy development of children and parents.
Loving, trusting and respecting each child enables that child to love, trust and respect others.
It is important to meet each child’s needs for physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth by providing diverse experiences in a supportive environment.
Each person is a unique individual and has their own needs. Each person has a right to meet this need their own way and in their own time.
Children deserve to have teachers who are capable, caring and whose values enable them to be excellent role models.
Rising Star certified
The Texas Rising Star certification is an elite distinction given to child care providers in Texas that have demonstrated excellence in early childhood education and are making a difference in the lives of young children.
Schools awarded this distinction must meet a rigorous set of criteria, including providing a safe and nurturing environment, offering a high-quality curriculum and having a staff that is qualified and experienced. Texas Rising Star schools are also committed to family engagement and community outreach.
Our director
Dr. Paulette Clemons, Director for First English Lutheran Child Development Center, has four decades of experience as an education professional, with special focus on program development implementation in child care, Early Head Start, Head Start and school-age programs. An advocate for building a safe and quality childcare for families has been her mission and value.
“Dr. P,” as many call her, is a graduate of Capella University with a Doctor of Education degree with the specialization in Educational Leadership and Management. She also has a Master of Sciences in Education degree with a specialization in Early Childhood Education, and a Bachelor of the Arts from Northeastern Illinois University.
She is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) and the American Montessori Society. She has also been a Program Specialist for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Prior to joining FELCDC, Dr. P worked at Texas Health and Human Services to ensure a safe and healthy childcare environment for children, staff and families. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of roles focused on the care and education of children, from teacher to director and everything in between.