While looking for preschools for her son and not finding the kinds of environments she wanted, Deborah Kaschik decided to create it herself and founded The Woodlands Young Learner's Academy.

Having taught at Conroe ISD, Kaschik wanted to bring her experience in the school setting—computer science, music, library and gym—and turn it into a preschool setting that offered more enrichment. Her background includes elementary education with certification in reading and special education as well as a master's degree in gifted and talented learning.

"When I started looking, there was nothing like that," Kaschik said. "I thought it would be something neat to do and be different [and], at the same time, provide a nice experience."

To build a new building would have cost more than $1 million, but a Realtor was able to connect them with the former State Farm building just off of Woodlands Parkway and Six Pines Drive.

The owner of the property, excited for the idea and interested in having a long-term tenant, decided to partner with them.

"It was kind of a difficult because we didn't have the chain name and didn't have anything to show them to see if it would work, we just knew we had a great concept," Kaschik said.

Seven years later, The Woodlands Young Learner's Academy has 35 employees and caters to children from ages 18 months to kindergarten.

Different teachers work in each area, such as the library, computer lab and science lab. The children transition to each class during the day in small groups, which Kaschik said enables the children to get out of their rooms and work with different people.

Two days a week Kaschik teaches small groups beginning in the 3-year-old rooms. Kaschik also visits the younger children, joining them for circle time.

"I get to know them when they are younger so when I teach them in Pre-K, I can work with the teacher to enhance whatever they need," she said. "Maybe they need more help on letters and number, or they are good there and ready to read."

Kaschik is ready to expand. In addition to TWYLA, she purchased a location two years ago on FM 1960 called Linders Younger Learners Academy that features a small classroom environment for preschool.

She has also brought on a new partner, Ed Ziegler, who is working with her on Linder Young Learner's Academy, which works with autistic children. Kaschik's vision is to put two classrooms there to support children with autism.

Among the three locations, Kaschik's employees are approaching the 100 mark, something that she is excited about, especially for what it means to the children.

"Everyone blooms at their own pace, but if you are going to bloom, we will help you wherever you happen to be," she said.

Academy programs

• 18 to 24 months – Early Learners
• 2 years old – Early Learners 2
• 3 years old – Little Learners 1 (older 2s, younger 3s ) and Little Learners 2 (younger 3s, older 4s)
• 4 years old – Pre-kindergarten
• 5 years old – Kindergarten

Special classes offered

• TWYLA Technology Lab: The computer lab focuses on age-appropriate technology. Starting at 3 years old, students visit the lab on an alternating schedule until kindergarten when they go every day. Older children learn skills, such as building a Powerpoint, how to send an email and how to safely use the Internet.
• TWYLA Science and Mathematics Lab: This is a hands-on area where students don lab coats and goggles and perform fun experiments.
• TWYLA City Music Hall: The music teacher prepares kindergartners to perform in programs during Christmas and graduation. Younger students perform rhythm and music movement, study composers and learn to hear how instruments sound.
• Bold's: The gym provides physical education including soccer.
• Presidential Library: Students learn about the presidents, literature, history and social studies.

The Woodlands Young Learners Academy, 1500 Woodstead Court. The Woodlands, 832-257-3563, www.twyounglearners.com