FAQs

Mainspring is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM. We are closed 28 weekdays per year (this includes spring break, summer break, and winter break).

Mainspring only offers full-time care.

Fill out the form on the enrollment page or call 512-442-2301 to get on the waiting list. There is no fee to be placed on the waiting list.

There is no paperwork for the waiting list. We do an intensive enrollment process when your child is enrolled.

Mainspring does offer in-person tours by appointment only. Please email enroll@mainspringschools.org if you would like to schedule a tour.

Ages 0-2 years: $1,475/month.

Ages 3-5 years: $1,260/month

There are no other costs. No waitlist fee, no application fee, no materials fee, no afterschool fee, and no surprise fees. It's simply a monthly tuition. 

Nearly 75% of our students receive tuition subsidies. 

During enrollment, a non-refundable deposit of one full month’s tuition is required to hold your child’s spot. This will cover your first month’s tuition at Mainspring.

We do accept the subsidies through Workforce. If you income-qualify for the childcare subsidies, you must get on the waiting list at Workforce as soon as possible by calling 512-597-7191. When submitting paperwork to Workforce, you can tell them that you are choosing Mainspring Schools for childcare; this will help you get your subsidy a little sooner. Or, you can come to Mainspring and we will help you complete the forms and fax them to Workforce. To get the subsidy at Workforce, you must be working or in school at least 25 hours per week and provide lots of documentation.

We are occasionally able to accommodate children with mild developmental disabilities, but we are not trained or equipped to work with children with moderate or severe disabilities. During the enrollment process, we will work with you to assess your child's needs to see if Mainspring is the right fit. If not, we will suggest providers that may be able to better serve your child.

Mainspring honors the individual worth of our students, families, and staff. Visitors to the school often remark about how kindly the teachers speak to the children. There is a strong sense of community at Mainspring and we invite all parents and caregivers to join with us. Educationally, we follow the children’s developmental cues. In the youngest years, the focus is on establishing emotional bonds, encouraging language, and helping children master their bodies. By the time they are 3 and 4 years old, true learning takes place in a developmentally-appropriate, fun manner. When children “graduate” from Mainspring, they have mastered the skills outlined in the State of Texas’ pre-K guidelines. Click here to read Mainspring’s Philosophy of Education.

Mainspring often offers special programs to enrolled children including Leaps & Bounds with Forklift Danceworks, art, and music at no additional charge.

Mainspring has a vital family engagement program and parents/caregivers are required to participate at least 8 hours per year.

We host a Monthly Family Supper Series, where we bring in an expert in a field related to young children (e.g., childhood nutrition, bedtime blues, etc.). A meal is served and child care is provided. This event takes place the fourth Thursday of each month from 5:30–7:00 PM. Family Suppers currently take place on Zoom under COVID precautions. If you would like to take home dinner to enjoy during Family Supper, email familyservices@mainspringschools.org.

The Family Support Group is smaller and more intimate. The group follows the Incredible Years curriculum in the fall. Parents/caregivers pick the topic in the spring. Parents/caregivers commit to completing all 13 sessions led by Mainspring’s Family Services Director, who is a Master’s-degreed counselor. The group meets on Tuesdays from 5:30–7:30 PM. Child care and dinner are provided. Family Support Groups currently take place on Zoom under COVID precautions. If you would like to take home dinner to enjoy during Family Support Group, email familyservices@mainspringschools.org.

The Family Advisory Council is similar to a PTA. They provide much-appreciated teacher support and do some fundraising activities. The Family Advisory Council meets on the second Monday of each month from 5:30–7:00 PM. Family Advisory Council meetings are on hold during the pandemic.

We serve all children breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack. Weekly menus feature fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and whole grains. Our kitchen is not vegetarian, but meat is often replaced with healthful legumes and whole grains. We participate in the USDA’s Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and follow all USDA food guidelines.

Mainspring is not peanut-free and cannot become so (because we often use food items that were manufactured in a plant that also manufactures peanuts).