Frequently Asked Questions

No — Little Oakies is not a licensed childcare facility. We operate as an exempt single-skill program under Texas Child Care Licensing guidelines. Our focus is exclusively on communication and social skills development, and we do not provide general childcare or custodial care.

We are located in the Garden Oaks/Oak Forest area of Houston. All sessions are held in my cozy, home-based classroom and shaded backyard play space. 

Families provide snacks for their own children. This ensures that all dietary needs, allergies, and preferences are respected.

Yes, there is a one-time $50 registration fee per family. 

Sessions run Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. Families may enroll in either 2-day or 4-day per week options.

Our group size is intentionally small, with a maximum of 5 children to ensure individualized attention and a close-knit community. 

• 4 days/week: $160/week

• 2 days/week: $80/week

A $25 non-refundable registration fee is due at the time of enrollment. Tuition is based on registration, not attendance, and weeks with holidays are prorated.

If your child is sick or showing symptoms, please keep them home and notify us by 9 AM. Children must be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning to Little Oakies. A child also cannot have vomited or had diarrhea for the past 24 hours to attend Little Oakies. This helps protect the health of everyone in our care. 

Your child’s safety is my top priority. Little Oakies is held in a child-friendly, home-based classroom with the following safety measures in place:

• Childproofed indoor spaces

• Safe, enclosed outdoor play area

• Locked storage for cleaning supplies and sharp objects

• Visual supervision at all times

• Current CPR and first aid certification

• Emergency plans for fire, weather, and shelter-in-place scenarios

Emergency contacts are kept on file and reviewed regularly. My home is designed to feel warm and welcoming while meeting high standards for safety and care.

Parents must inform me of any allergies, dietary restrictions, or medical needs at the time of enrollment. I take allergies seriously and work with families to ensure a safe environment. While I do not routinely administer medication, we can discuss accommodations (such as EpiPens or inhalers) on a case-by-case basis with a signed medication permission form. 

At Little Oakies, children are guided with empathy, consistency, and positive communication. I use gentle, developmentally appropriate strategies to help children express their feelings, solve problems, and develop self-regulation skills.

When conflict arises, I coach children through naming emotions, listening to one another, and working toward respectful resolutions. My goal is always to support each child in feeling safe, understood, and empowered. I also keep an open line of communication with families so we can work as a team.

Absolutely. With a maximum of just 5 children, I’m able to give each child meaningful one-on-one attention throughout the day. Whether it’s supporting language development, helping with social skills, or offering a quiet moment to recharge, I strive to meet each child where they are. 

We approach transitions with warmth, patience, and flexibility. Many children need time to adjust, especially in a new setting. We’ll work closely with you to develop a gentle, supportive plan that honors your child’s needs. Comfort, co-regulation, and building trust are always prioritized over pushing independence too quickly.

Little Oakies is designed with neurodiversity, disabilities, and developmental delays in mind. Because the program is led by a speech-language pathologist, we’re able to support a wide range of communication styles, sensory needs, and social learning profiles. We value each child as they are and make adaptations as needed to help everyone participate meaningfully.

Yes — we welcome parents to stay for part or all of the first session if that helps your child feel more secure. We want your child to build trust in their own time, and you’re always welcome to check in, ask questions, or collaborate with us on a gentle transition plan.

We keep our groups small and our routines predictable, which helps new children feel safe and included. During the first few sessions, we slow things down, offer extra support and connection, and stay responsive to each child’s comfort level. We also emphasize community, kindness, and friendship from day one — helping children understand that everyone belongs, and that it's important to make sure others feel welcomed and accepted. Our goal is for every child to feel seen, supported, and at ease.

Absolutely. With a maximum of just 5 children, I’m able to give each child meaningful one-on-one attention throughout the day. Whether it’s supporting language development, helping with social skills, or offering a quiet moment to recharge, I strive to meet each child where they are. 

No, potty training is not required. We support children wherever they are developmentally and work with families to maintain consistency between home and our setting. We ask that children arrive in a clean, dry diaper or pull-up, as our 2-hour sessions are short and diaper changes are rarely needed. If a change is necessary, it will be handled with care and respect. Please send a labeled bag with any supplies your child may need (diapers, wipes, extra clothes, etc.).

No — families are welcome to join at any time if space is available. There’s no long-term commitment required, and you may end enrollment at any time with two week notice. A waitlist will be kept when sessions are full.