FAQs

Have a Question?

Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision, and we want to make it as easy as possible for parents. Our goal is to provide clear, helpful information so you can feel confident about your child’s care and education. If you don’t see your question here, contact our office.

Program Information

What age groups does The Lighthouse School serve?

We provide care and education for children starting at 6 weeks old through 12 years of age. Our programs are designed to support each developmental stage:

  • Infants (6 weeks+) – nurturing care focused on bonding, sensory development, and early communication
  • Toddlers – structured exploration and early independence
  • Preschool & Pre-K – kindergarten readiness and social-emotional growth
  • School-Age – before-and-after-school care, homework support, and enrichment
  • Summer Camp – engaging, themed activities for all age groups in June and July
What makes Lighthouse different from other childcare centers?

We offer a caring, Christian environment where children can grow in every area of life. Our program combines faith-based learning with a structured curriculum using Frog Street and Abeka Bible to support both academic and spiritual development.

We also provide a warm, home-like atmosphere where children receive personalized attention from nurturing teachers. As a Texas Rising Star accredited school, we are proud to meet higher standards for early childhood education. With hands-on learning, individualized care, and strong family partnerships, The Lighthouse School is a place where children feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

What curriculum or learning approach do you use?

We use a blended curriculum that supports both academic growth and faith-based learning. Our program includes Frog Street (helps children build language, cognitive, physical, and social-emotional skills) and Abeka (biblical teaching and character development).

Children learn through a mix of hands-on activities, play-based exploration, structured lessons, and social interaction. This balanced approach helps prepare each child for kindergarten and builds a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

What does a typical day look like for my child?

Each classroom follows a structured daily schedule that includes:

  • Learning centers & guided activities
  • Group time (reading, music, discussion)
  • Outdoor play (at least 1 hour total daily)
  • Meals and snacks
  • Rest or nap time
  • Social and creative play

Schedules are posted in each classroom and adjusted based on the needs of the children. This helps create a consistent routine while still allowing flexibility for each age group and stage of development.

How do you communicate with parents?

We prioritize strong parent communication to keep families informed, involved, and connected throughout their child’s experience with us through:

  • Procare App or MyProcare portal (daily reports, messaging, updates)
  • Newsletters and emails
  • Parent-teacher conferences (2x/year minimum)
  • Open-door policy for visits

Hours & Schedule

What are your school hours?

We are open Monday–Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. year-round.

Our different care options include:

  • Full-time care (Monday-Friday)
  • Part-time options (2 or 3 days)
  • Before-and-after-school care
  • Summer camp in June and July
What holidays or closures should parents expect?

We are closed on major holidays, including:

  • New Year’s Day
  • Good Friday
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving (+ Friday)
  • Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
  • New Year’s Eve

We also close:

  • 2 days per year for staff training
  • Occasionally early (5:00 PM) for staff development
What is your late pick-up policy?

Pick-up is expected by 6:30 PM sharp. A $25 late fee is charged initially, with additional per-minute charges applied after that. If a child is not picked up within 60 minutes, authorities may be contacted. This policy ensures fairness to staff and safety for children.

Enrollment & Tuition

How do I enroll my child?

Enrollment is not guaranteed until all required steps are completed and all documents and fees are submitted. To complete enrollment, please complete the following steps:

  1. Filling out the enrollment forms
  2. Submitting required documents:
    • Emergency contacts
    • Medical forms
    • Immunization records
  3. Paying:
    • Registration fee
    • Supply fee
    • First tuition payment
How does tuition work?

Tuition is based on holding your child’s spot, not on attendance. This means that payments are required even if your child is absent or during holidays.

Payments can be made weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly, and late payments may incur additional fees. The most up-to-date tuition information is always available on our Tuition & Payments page.

Are there any discounts available?

Yes! We offer several ways for families to save on tuition. Families receive 10% off for the second child and 15% off for the third child. We also provide a 10% discount for qualifying military members, first responders, nurses, and school district teachers. Please note that discounts cannot be combined.

In addition, we have a referral program to thank families who share Lighthouse with friends and loved ones. Simply refer someone, have them mention your referral when they enroll, and after their child has been enrolled for one full month with payment received, you will receive a full month of free tuition for one student. It’s our way of showing appreciation while helping our Lighthouse community grow.

Do you offer refunds?

No, tuition and fees at The Lighthouse School are generally non-refundable. This policy helps us maintain staffing, resources, and programs to ensure every child receives consistent, high-quality care and education. The only exception is in the case of account overpayments, which can be applied as a credit toward future tuition or fees.

Meals, Health, & Safety

What meals and snacks are provided?

We provide nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day to support your child’s growth and energy needs. Each day includes breakfast, a hot lunch, and two afternoon snacks. All meals are carefully planned and prepared following USDA CACFP nutritional guidelines, ensuring children receive a balanced diet with the right mix of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins.

Our goal is to make mealtime both healthy and enjoyable, encouraging children to try new foods while developing positive eating habits. We also accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies when necessary. Visit our Meals & Nutrition page for more information.

How does The Lighthouse School handle medications?

We want to make giving medication as safe and straightforward as possible. Please provide any medication in its original container with your child’s name and clear instructions. When you arrive, you’ll complete a Permission to Give Medication form in the office. Our staff follows the label directions or your doctor’s written instructions exactly. For items like sunscreen or insect repellent, we’ll need your written approval, and some over-the-counter medications may also require a doctor’s note.

How are allergies managed?

We are a completely peanut-free school. Children with allergies must have a physician-signed allergy plan on file. Required medications (like EpiPens or antihistamines) must be provided in original containers, and the Medication Authorization Form must be completed. Snacks or special foods brought to school must accommodate children with dietary restrictions.

What happens if a child becomes ill at school?

Children showing symptoms such as fever (100°F or higher), vomiting, diarrhea, or contagious illness will be separated from the class. Parents are contacted to pick up the child within 45 minutes. Children may return only after being symptom-free for 24 hours or with a doctor’s written clearance. Emergency contacts will be used if parents are unreachable.

How are children kept safe during drop-off and pick-up?

Parents must accompany children to their classrooms for drop-off and check them out at pick-up using secure Procare Connect options (QR code or kiosk). Children are only released to approved adults listed on the enrollment form. In emergencies, parents may update authorized individuals by phone or through Procare Connect. Anyone not recognized may be asked for ID.

How does The Lighthouse School secure the building?

We take building security seriously to help keep every child safe. Our school uses video and audio monitoring in classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, and the parking lot, with private areas excluded. The front door stays locked, and parents are given a secure access code for entry. Our staff keeps a close eye on who comes and goes, and anyone on the property without authorization is treated as an intruder.

Can parents and visitors come to the school?

Yes, parents may visit during the day if it doesn’t disrupt the classroom. All visitors must sign in at the front office and may require pre-approval. Extended family and volunteers must complete a screening process, including a background check and orientation. Individuals who do not meet safety requirements are considered intruders.

What emergency preparedness drills are in place?

Fire, severe weather, medical, intruder, and playground safety drills are conducted regularly. In the rare case of a building evacuation, children are relocated to AR Turner Elementary School, 10101 N Highway 75, Willis, TX 77378, until parents arrive.