Backed by years of success across Canada, Willowbrae combines nurturing care with advanced technology to support every stage of a child’s development, from infancy through pre-K.
Director Lisa Tate said the expansion into Texas reflects both rising childcare demand and the academy’s commitment to innovation, safety and family engagement.
“The system in Canada has proven that this is a quality program,” Tate said. “That allows it to be a successful franchise here as well.”
How does Willowbrae approach early childhood education?
At Willowbrae, teachers are encouraged to meet each child where they are, rather than follow a one-size-fits-all method.
The program blends three respected teaching philosophies:
- Montessori: a child-led structure where teachers focus on independent learning and act as facilitators
- High Scope: teachers introduce an activity and work with students through the entire lesson
- Emergent: an inquiry-based structure where teachers build lessons based on where their students’ attention is drawn
This dynamic structure ensures that every child is both supported and challenged as they grow.
How are parents kept involved?
Family connection is central to the school’s mission. Willowbrae uses the Procare app to give parents real-time updates about their child’s day, from meals and nap times to photos of classroom activities.
Soon, the center will roll out Willowbrae’s exclusive BraeView system, an advanced digital platform that integrates classroom cameras, biometric scanners at the door and communication tools into one seamless experience.
Through BraeView, parents will be able to:
- Receive daily emails summarizing meals, naps, potty breaks, progress, reminders and more
- Be notified when their child is checked into or out of the academy
- Get KID FIT Tidbits with wellness tips and resources
“Some of our parents are fortunate enough to hang out in the morning,” Tate said. “If their children are doing something, they sit at the table and do it with them. We invite that because that ... increases the child’s interest in whatever they’re doing.”
How do teachers support emotional and academic growth?
Willowbrae’s curriculum is carefully designed. Teachers build weekly lesson plans that incorporate reading, science, math and language arts alongside social and emotional skill-building.
A major focus is helping children communicate, problem-solve and collaborate effectively. These are skills that will serve them well in kindergarten and beyond.
“Most kindergarten teachers want their children to know ... how to get along, how to problem-solve and how to communicate,” Tate said.
Lessons often include singing, reading aloud and guided conversation to encourage vocabulary growth and expression.
Each week, teachers assess every child’s progress, tracking areas such as vocabulary, self-help skills and the ability to follow directions. As children grow, assessments expand to include number and letter recognition, ensuring steady development across all domains.
Families also receive regular updates through parent-teacher conferences held several times a year, along with ongoing communication between meetings. Tate said parents are always encouraged to reach out if a child or family is struggling with something at home.
“We’re all on the same team,” Tate said. “Our goal is for every child to be a happy, healthy, successful, contributing member of society.”
What does Willowbrae look for in its teachers?
The leadership team prioritizes passion and empathy above all else.
While technical teaching skills can be developed, Tate emphasized that genuine care for children cannot be taught.
“I can’t teach someone to love a child, ... [or to] be kind ... and patient,” Tate said. “If they have the right personality and they teach children that they care about them and love them, [the children] are going to be more successful.”
How does Willowbrae ensure safety and trust?
Safety and transparency guide decisions at Willowbrae.
The leadership team regularly visits classrooms. The building’s open layout, with interior windows connecting many of the rooms, creates an added layer of visibility and accountability.
Parents are encouraged to speak up about anything they notice or hear.
“I would rather go look and find nothing than for something to be going on that I don’t know about,” Tate said.
Additionally, the BraeView system will give teachers and directors the ability to see children throughout the day via a secure live stream from classrooms and playgrounds.
This culture of openness helps maintain a sense of trust and collaboration among teachers, parents and students.
What do parents say?
Since opening in June, the Georgetown location has received glowing reviews. Families appreciate the school’s warm environment, attentive teachers and focus on individualized learning.
One family even told Tate that if they didn’t need to move to Colorado, they would stay just to keep their kids at Willowbrae.
From infants to pre-K, every classroom at Willowbrae is designed to increase children’s curiosity, confidence and compassion, creating a safe space where families feel seen, supported and valued.
Families looking for nurturing, flexible early education in Georgetown can click here to learn more or request a tour.
Location: 3010 FM 1460, Georgetown
Hours: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
The above story was produced by Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
