Small Steps Nurturing Center operates two preschools for economically at-risk children living in the Fifth Ward and surrounding areas of inner-city Houston, Texas.
We provide a high-quality education, social and emotional support, a nurturing Christian environment, transportation, and nutritious meals to children ages two through six living in poverty.
Small Steps operates five days a week, nine months each year (plus one month of summer enrichment), at no financial cost to the families we serve. Small Steps uses proven interventions to help narrow the knowledge gap and create a community of support for our students and families.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Early Childhood / Day Care
- Grades: Prekindergarten-Kindergarten
- Enrollment: 114 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Small Steps Nurturing Center - Jensen ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Texas for:
Category
Attribute
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-Kindergarten
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Language-based and other Learning Differences
Year Founded
1995
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
114 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
100%
State avg.: 41%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
5 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
23:1
National avg.: 13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
School Notes
- Early intervention through early childhood education programs is a cost-effective way to invest in children and prepare them to learn the academic and life skills they need to become contributing members of society. Ninety percent of brain development occurs by age five, thus making the first five years of life a critical window for learning. The need for early intervention in these early years is especially great for children living in poverty. These children often experience high levels of stress, which affect their brains and can interfere with their ability to learn.
- Small Steps has implemented an approach to early childhood education called SET (Social Emotional Tools) for Life, created by Michelle M. Forrester, PhD, which emphasizes a relationship- and language-based format to address the social and emotional needs of children. Small Steps employs four SET for Life team members: the Director of Student and Family Support and two SET Therapists-all with graduate-level degrees in fields related to mental health (requiring advanced licensure)-and a SET Interventionist. Additionally, Small Steps will partner with outside providers to offer student and/or family support, including mental health services, occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, early childhood intervention, and other community resources.
- Small Steps provides a secure, welcoming environment with predictable routines so children can worry less about unexpected challenges, allowing them to focus on playing and learning. Most of our families experience food insecurity, and Small Steps aims to fulfill the majority of each student`s daily nutritional needs during the school day. The neighborhoods in which our families live have almost no safe green space for children to run and play; Small Steps provides space for children to develop their motor skills and social skills as well as to connect with nature. For low-income families, getting their children to an early childhood education program every day can be difficult due to work schedules or lack of transportation. Small Steps provides daily transportation for those children who otherwise could not get to school.
- Small Steps is accredited by AdvancED- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the leading accrediting organization for schools across the educational spectrum. The accreditation process ensures that we are held to the highest standards as well as continuously improving our program. The school maintains a low teacher to child ratio of approximately one to eight and utilizes the project approach to learning, which allows for the integration of each piece of our curricula. At Small Steps, language development is at the core of all learning activities. Our teachers also promote science, math concepts, and critical thinking skills through problem solving, observations, sorting activities, and investigations.
- Small Steps was founded on the belief that we serve children in need as an expression of God`s love and treat each person as a unique creation. We demonstrate love to students through close relationships with teachers and through compassion shown by volunteers who support our program. Our program includes weekly chapel, prayer before meals, and daily staff devotionals.
- Small Steps intentionally creates opportunities to strengthen relationships and foster a community of sharing, learning, and growing with our students` families. To complete a minimum of 10 tuition hours (15 if more than one student) each school year, parents can attend parent education events, volunteer, or participate in other parent engagement opportunities. Teachers also conduct home visits with our families at the beginning of the school year to better understand family dynamics, observe the home environment, and identify family needs.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline for Small Steps Nurturing Center - Jensen?
The application deadline for Small Steps Nurturing Center - Jensen is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Small Steps Nurturing Center - Jensen located?
Small Steps Nurturing Center - Jensen is located in the Northside neighborhood of Houston, TX. There are 9 other private schools located in Northside.
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