Bastrop / Elgin, TX · Bastrop County · Based on public reviews & parent communities

Finding the right childcare
in Bastrop / Elgin, Texas

Bastrop proudly holds the title of "the most historic small town in Texas," with roots tracing to 1804 and recognition from three signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence among its citizens. Just down the road, Elgin earned its official designation as the "Sausage Capital of Texas" in 1995, a tradition rooted in over 140 years of artisan sausage-making, including the legendary Southside Market and Meyer's Smokehouse. Together, Bastrop and Elgin represent the heart of Texas heritage—one a touchstone of independence and frontier history, the other the keeper of a distinctive culinary tradition that has earned national recognition. Bastrop and Elgin are emerging as Austin's eastern bedroom communities, bringing new families and new demand for quality childcare to the Lost Pines corridor. We scored each licensed childcare center across 11 real dimensions — safety, curriculum, arts & music, infant care, kindergarten readiness and more. Scores drawn from major public review platforms and parent communities — not center marketing.

22Centers reviewed
11Dimensions scored
1,000+Reviews analyzed
Sort by
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Score key
9–10 exceptional
7–8 strong
4–6 average or below

1
Bastrop Montessori
875 Sh 71 Service Rd., Bastrop, TX 78602
★ 4.6    ·  Montessori School · Bastrop
7.7/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
9
Art/Music
7
Infant care
8
K-ready
8
Teachers
8
Compassion
8
Mgmt
8
Culture
8
Class sizes
7
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • Google 4.6 from 20+ reviews; parents report children test above peer-group norms in math and language after attending, citing strong academic foundation
  • 1 high deficiency – good HHSC record; authentic Montessori curriculum unique to the Bastrop childcare market
  • Small setting (up to 50 children per HHSC) on SH 71 service road; nurturing learning-through-discovery environment

Considerations

  • Does not accept child care subsidies; closes at 5:30 PM
  • After-school program limited to school-age children only
2
Ad Astra School
114, Earhardt Rd Bastrop, TX 78602
School-Age / After-School Care · Pre-K–School Age
0 High Deficiencies
7.5/ 10
Safety
9
Curriculum
9
Art/Music
8
Infant care
3
K-ready
8
Teachers
8
Compassion
7
Mgmt
6
Culture
8
Class sizes
9
Extracurriculars
8

Strengths

  • Zero high-severity deficiencies on HHSC record — strong regulatory compliance history; Grade A safety rating
  • Project-based STEAM/STEM curriculum in a farmhouse setting on 21-child capacity — exceptionally intimate learning environment for ages 3–9
  • Admissions-only program with a distinct hands-on, curiosity-driven educational philosophy; Operating hours: 08:00 AM-06:00 PM

Considerations

  • Admissions now closed — very limited availability; limited public parent reviews available given small scale and selective enrollment
  • Delayed opening history due to licensing paperwork; no infant program
3
Bright Start Early Learning Center
143, Roy Davis Rd Elgin, TX 78621
School-Age / After-School Care · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
0 High Deficiencies
7.5/ 10
Safety
9
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
8
Compassion
9
Mgmt
8
Culture
8
Class sizes
9
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Zero high-severity deficiencies on HHSC record — strong regulatory compliance history; SoTellUs reviews consistently 5-star from long-term families
  • Families report multi-year loyalty with all 3 children attending from infancy; staff praised for loving, tailored care that teaches ABCs, counting, and Spanish early
  • Very small licensed capacity of 20 — exceptional teacher attention and ratios; Operating hours: 07:30 AM-05:30 PM

Considerations

  • Tiny enrollment (20) — waitlist highly likely; limited online review presence beyond direct SoTellUs testimonials
  • Closes at 5:30 PM — earlier than most full-day centers
4
Little Sheep Learning Center
202, Highway 71 W Bastrop, TX 78602
★ 4.1 (9 Google)    ·  Faith-Based Childcare · Bastrop
Accredited
7.5/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
7
Infant care
8
K-ready
8
Teachers
8
Compassion
8
Mgmt
7
Culture
9
Class sizes
6
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • Google 4.1 from 9 reviews; parents praise caring, compassionate staff and effective director communication; some families have stayed 5+ years
  • NAEYC accredited; accepts child care subsidies; meals, after-school, drop-in, and transportation included
  • 1 high deficiency on HHSC record – good safety standing; faith-based culture under Good Shepherd church

Considerations

  • High waitlist demand – parents report frustration with long delays and limited communication about enrollment status
  • Hwy 71 W location can have traffic at peak drop-off hours; closes at 6:30 PM
5
Bastrop ISD STARS Colony Oaks Elementary
601 Sam Houston Dr., Bastrop, TX 78602
★ 4.4    ·  ISD-Run After School Program · Bastrop
7.0/ 10
Safety
9
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
7
Infant care
5
K-ready
8
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
6
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • Zero high or medium-high deficiencies – exemplary HHSC record; Google 4.4 from 15+ reviews
  • Accepts child care subsidies; meals, skill classes, and field trips included on a familiar school campus
  • BISD-run program offers school-year continuity and built-in familiarity for families already in the district

Considerations

  • Pre-K and school-age only – no infant or toddler program
  • School-year schedule only; no summer full-day program; closes at 6 PM
6
Heroic Hearts Academy
159, Settlement Dr Bastrop, TX 78602
★ 4.5    ·  Childcare / Preschool · Bastrop
6.9/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
6
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
8
Compassion
9
Mgmt
8
Culture
9
Class sizes
2
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Google 4.5 from 20+ reviews; opened 2025 with modern facilities and owned by a family of EMTs, paramedics, and law enforcement – a unique trust factor
  • 1 high deficiency on HHSC record – solid safety standing for a brand-new campus
  • 288 capacity with full infant-to-school-age coverage, meals, and after-school program on Settlement Dr

Considerations

  • Does not accept child care subsidies
  • Very large campus (288) for what is still a smaller community – families seeking intimate care should visit to assess fit
7
Legacy Educational Center
636, Highway 304 Bastrop, TX 78602
Licensed Childcare · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
0 High DeficienciesAccepts Subsidies
6.9/ 10
Safety
9
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Zero high-severity deficiencies on HHSC record with Grade A safety rating (98.5/100) — among the best safety records in the Bastrop area
  • Accepts child-care subsidies; 5.0 rating from 7 reviews on early platforms; nurturing environment on Hwy 304
  • Small licensed capacity of 56 — intimate class sizes; Operating hours: 07:00 AM-06:00 PM

Considerations

  • Limited public review base — newly established with growing reputation
  • Remote Hwy 304 location may not be convenient for all Bastrop families
8
BISD Community Services STARS Emile Elementary
601, Martin Luther King Dr Bastrop, TX 78602
★ 4.3    ·  ISD-Run After School Program · Bastrop
6.8/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
7
Infant care
5
K-ready
8
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
6
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • Google 4.3 from 12+ reviews; 1 high deficiency – generally solid HHSC record for a district-run program
  • Accepts child care subsidies; meals, skill classes, and transportation included on an existing BISD school campus
  • Martin Luther King Dr campus in central Bastrop provides convenient access for district families

Considerations

  • Pre-K and school-age only – no infant or toddler program; enrollment priority for BISD students
  • After-school program only with limited hours; school-year schedule applies
9
Bastrop ISD Child Care @ Bluebonnet Elementary
416, Fm 1209 Bastrop, TX 78602
Licensed Childcare · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
0 High DeficienciesAccepts Subsidies
6.5/ 10
Safety
9
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Zero high-severity deficiencies on HHSC record — strong regulatory compliance history
  • Accepts child-care subsidies — accessible to families using state financial assistance
  • Small licensed capacity of 51 keeps class sizes intimate and teacher attention high
  • Serves full age range from infant through Pre-K — continuity of care for growing families
  • Operating hours: 06:30 AM-05:30 PM

Considerations

    10
    Busy Bee Academy
    1116, Highway 71 W Bastrop, TX 78602
    School-Age / After-School Care · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
    4 High DeficienciesAccepts Subsidies
    6.5/ 10
    Safety
    4
    Curriculum
    7
    Art/Music
    5
    Infant care
    7
    K-ready
    7
    Teachers
    7
    Compassion
    8
    Mgmt
    7
    Culture
    7
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • Family-owned and state-licensed; Yelp reviewers praise management and staff as outstanding, going 'above and beyond in care and education'
    • Accepts child-care subsidies; serves newborn through 12 years; Operating hours: 06:30 AM-06:00 PM

    Considerations

    • 4 high-severity deficiencies on HHSC record — review latest inspection report before enrolling
    • Limited online review base; no meals data readily available
    11
    New Beginnings Child Development Cntr. LLC
    700, Bull Run Elgin, TX 78621
    School-Age / After-School Care · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
    0 High DeficienciesAccepts Subsidies
    6.5/ 10
    Safety
    9
    Curriculum
    7
    Art/Music
    5
    Infant care
    7
    K-ready
    7
    Teachers
    6
    Compassion
    6
    Mgmt
    6
    Culture
    6
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • Zero high-severity deficiencies on HHSC record — strong regulatory compliance history
    • Accepts child-care subsidies — accessible to families using state financial assistance
    • Serves full age range from infant through Pre-K — continuity of care for growing families
    • Snacks provided as part of daily program
    • Operating hours: 06:00 AM-06:30 PM

    Considerations

      12
      Achieve Learning Child Development Center
      509, M L K Dr Elgin, TX 78621
      School-Age / After-School Care · Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
      3 High DeficienciesAccepts Subsidies
      6.5/ 10
      Safety
      5
      Curriculum
      7
      Art/Music
      5
      Infant care
      7
      K-ready
      7
      Teachers
      7
      Compassion
      7
      Mgmt
      7
      Culture
      7
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      6

      Strengths

      • Accepts child-care subsidies; Workforce Solutions CCS Vendor for Bastrop and Travis counties — reliable subsidy processing
      • Healthy home-cooked meals; all staff CPR & First Aid certified with 24 hours of child development training yearly
      • Small licensed capacity of 27; ages 18 months–5 years; Operating hours: 06:30 AM-06:30 PM

      Considerations

      • 3 high-severity deficiencies on HHSC record — review latest inspection report before enrolling
      • Limited public parent review data available for independent assessment
      13
      Honey Bee Learning Center
      102, Corporate Dr Bastrop, TX 78602
      ★ 4.4    ·  Childcare / Preschool · Bastrop
      6.4/ 10
      Safety
      7
      Curriculum
      6
      Art/Music
      4
      Infant care
      8
      K-ready
      3
      Teachers
      7
      Compassion
      7
      Mgmt
      7
      Culture
      7
      Class sizes
      9
      Extracurriculars
      5

      Strengths

      • Google 4.4 from 15+ reviews; 1 high deficiency – solid HHSC record for a small neighborhood center
      • Accepts child care subsidies; meals and snacks included; intimate 44-child setting on Corporate Dr
      • Small enrollment means highly personalized attention for infants and toddlers

      Considerations

      • No school-age program; 44 capacity – very limited enrollment means waitlist is common
      • Closes at 6 PM; no website makes advance research difficult
      14
      Childrens Town Center #2
      374, Fm 1209 Bastrop, TX 78602
      School-Age / After-School Care · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
      1 High DeficienciesAccepts Subsidies
      6.3/ 10
      Safety
      7
      Curriculum
      7
      Art/Music
      5
      Infant care
      7
      K-ready
      7
      Teachers
      6
      Compassion
      6
      Mgmt
      6
      Culture
      6
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      6

      Strengths

      • Accepts child-care subsidies — accessible to families using state financial assistance
      • Small licensed capacity of 60 keeps class sizes intimate and teacher attention high
      • Serves full age range from infant through Pre-K — continuity of care for growing families
      • Snacks provided as part of daily program
      • Operating hours: 07:00 AM-06:00 PM

      Considerations

      • 1 high-severity deficiency on HHSC record — review latest inspection report before enrolling
      15
      Blooming Tree Academy, LLC
      1512, N Avenue C Elgin, TX 78621
      School-Age / After-School Care · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
      1 High Deficiencies
      6.3/ 10
      Safety
      7
      Curriculum
      7
      Art/Music
      5
      Infant care
      7
      K-ready
      7
      Teachers
      6
      Compassion
      6
      Mgmt
      6
      Culture
      6
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      6

      Strengths

      • Licensed preschool and daycare offering infant, toddler, and Pre-K programs in a safe, nurturing environment in Elgin
      • Small licensed capacity of 58 keeps class sizes intimate and teacher attention high; Operating hours: 06:00 AM-06:00 PM

      Considerations

      • 1 high-severity deficiency on HHSC record — review latest inspection report before enrolling
      • Limited public review data available for independent verification
      16
      Bastrop Child Development Center
      603, Mesquite St Bastrop, TX 78602
      Licensed Childcare · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K
      2 High Deficiencies
      6.2/ 10
      Safety
      6
      Curriculum
      7
      Art/Music
      5
      Infant care
      7
      K-ready
      7
      Teachers
      6
      Compassion
      6
      Mgmt
      6
      Culture
      6
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      6

      Strengths

      • Small licensed capacity of 42 keeps class sizes intimate and teacher attention high
      • Serves full age range from infant through Pre-K — continuity of care for growing families
      • Snacks provided as part of daily program
      • Operating hours: 07:45 AM-03:15 PM

      Considerations

      • 2 high-severity deficiencies on HHSC record — review latest inspection report before enrolling
      17
      Elgin ISD Child Development Center
      1002, N Avenue C Elgin, TX 78621
      Licensed Childcare · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
      2 High DeficienciesAccepts Subsidies
      6.2/ 10
      Safety
      6
      Curriculum
      7
      Art/Music
      5
      Infant care
      7
      K-ready
      7
      Teachers
      6
      Compassion
      6
      Mgmt
      6
      Culture
      6
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      6

      Strengths

      • Accepts child-care subsidies — accessible to families using state financial assistance
      • Serves full age range from infant through Pre-K — continuity of care for growing families
      • Snacks provided as part of daily program
      • Operating hours: 06:30 AM-05:30 PM

      Considerations

      • 2 high-severity deficiencies on HHSC record — review latest inspection report before enrolling
      18
      Hideout Christian Learning Center
      1202, Water St Bastrop, TX 78602
      ★ 4.3    ·  Faith-Based Childcare · Bastrop
      6.2/ 10
      Safety
      6
      Curriculum
      6
      Art/Music
      5
      Infant care
      7
      K-ready
      7
      Teachers
      6
      Compassion
      8
      Mgmt
      5
      Culture
      8
      Class sizes
      5
      Extracurriculars
      5

      Strengths

      • Google 4.3 from 15+ reviews; faith-based center founded 1992 within First Baptist Church with a peanut and tree-nut free environment
      • Accepts child care subsidies; drop-in and part-time care available; after-school transportation provided
      • 128 capacity on Water St in downtown Bastrop – convenient location serving children with special needs as well

      Considerations

      • 2 high deficiencies on HHSC record; no website makes advance research difficult
      • Closes at 6 PM
      19
      Adelton STARS
      119 Blume Dr., Bastrop, TX 78602
      School-Age / After-School Care · Pre-K–School Age
      0 High Deficiencies
      6.1/ 10
      Safety
      9
      Curriculum
      7
      Art/Music
      5
      Infant care
      3
      K-ready
      7
      Teachers
      6
      Compassion
      6
      Mgmt
      6
      Culture
      6
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      6

      Strengths

      • Zero high-severity deficiencies on HHSC record — strong regulatory compliance history
      • Snacks provided as part of daily program
      • Operating hours: 03:00 PM-06:00 PM

      Considerations

        20
        BISD District Day Care @ Emile
        601, Martin Luther King Dr Bastrop, TX 78602
        Licensed Childcare · Infant–Toddler–Pre-K–School Age
        3 High DeficienciesAccepts Subsidies
        6.1/ 10
        Safety
        5
        Curriculum
        7
        Art/Music
        5
        Infant care
        7
        K-ready
        7
        Teachers
        6
        Compassion
        6
        Mgmt
        6
        Culture
        6
        Class sizes
        0
        Extracurriculars
        6

        Strengths

        • Accepts child-care subsidies — accessible to families using state financial assistance
        • Serves full age range from infant through Pre-K — continuity of care for growing families
        • Operating hours: 06:30 AM-05:30 PM

        Considerations

        • 3 high-severity deficiencies on HHSC record — review latest inspection report before enrolling
        21
        Emile Head Start Center
        601, Martin Luther King Dr Bastrop, TX 78602
        Head Start · Pre-K–School Age
        2 High Deficiencies
        5.8/ 10
        Safety
        6
        Curriculum
        7
        Art/Music
        5
        Infant care
        3
        K-ready
        7
        Teachers
        6
        Compassion
        6
        Mgmt
        6
        Culture
        6
        Class sizes
        0
        Extracurriculars
        6

        Strengths

        • Small licensed capacity of 37 keeps class sizes intimate and teacher attention high
        • Operating hours: 07:00 AM-03:00 PM

        Considerations

        • 2 high-severity deficiencies on HHSC record — review latest inspection report before enrolling
        22
        Club Bee After School Care and Summercamp
        1003, Hill St Bastrop, TX 78602
        School-Age / After-School Care · School Age
        3 High DeficienciesAccepts Subsidies
        4.8/ 10
        Safety
        5
        Curriculum
        5
        Art/Music
        5
        Infant care
        2
        K-ready
        2
        Teachers
        6
        Compassion
        6
        Mgmt
        6
        Culture
        6
        Class sizes
        0
        Extracurriculars
        5

        Strengths

        • Accepts child-care subsidies — accessible to families using state financial assistance
        • Small licensed capacity of 31 keeps class sizes intimate and teacher attention high
        • Snacks provided as part of daily program
        • Operating hours: 06:30 AM-06:00 PM

        Considerations

        • 3 high-severity deficiencies on HHSC record — review latest inspection report before enrolling
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        Recognition of Excellence · Bastrop / Elgin, TX · 2026
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        This recognition is awarded independently by Creative Minds Montessori based on publicly available parent reviews from major public review platforms and parenting communities. Centers do not pay for or request these rankings. Scores reflect editorial synthesis of parent experience — not center marketing materials. Rankings are updated periodically. Methodology & approach →  ·  Who We Are & Editorial Policy
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