Interested in child care? Look no further. Nestled in Spicewood, A New Day Child Development Center has been shaping bright beginnings since 2009. What started in a small duplex off Bee Creek Road with just six students has grown into a trusted and respected early childhood program - earning Texas Rising Star’s top 4-Star accreditation.

Read on for the full interview with Center Director Irma Arrambide and Assistant Director Brandi Young to talk about what makes A New Day so special, their approach to early education, and why families describe it as more than a preschool - it’s a family.

What makes A New Day unique compared to other childcare options in the area?

What sets A New Day Child Development Center apart is the way it blends high-quality education with genuine care and strong family connections. Unlike many childcare options, A New Day holds a Texas Rising Star 4-Star accreditation - the highest rating available. This distinction requires that teachers either hold college degrees or are actively pursuing their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, ensuring every child is guided by professionals trained in early childhood development.

The center also places a strong emphasis on character development, teaching honesty, compassion, and respect alongside academics. We believe preparing children for life is just as important as preparing them for school.

The facility was designed with children in mind - featuring bright classrooms, secure play areas, and safe, welcoming spaces that encourage both exploration and comfort. Just as important, our team of teachers is deeply committed to building long-term relationships with families - celebrating milestones, inviting parents into the learning process, and partnering with them to support every child’s growth.

It’s this combination of professional excellence and heartfelt connection that leads many parents to describe A New Day Child Development Center not just as a preschool, but as an extension of their family.

What ages/programs do you currently serve?

At A New Day Child Development Center, children are welcomed into a nurturing and engaging environment beginning at 12 months of age through Pre-Kindergarten (4–6 years old). Programs are designed to meet children where they are developmentally, with a focus on both academics and character growth.

• Toddlers (12–24 months): Emphasis on nurturing care, early language development, motor skills, and social interaction.

• Preschool (2–3 years): Hands-on learning that introduces classroom routines, early academics, and social skills.

• Pre-Kindergarten (4–6 years): A comprehensive kindergarten readiness program that builds academic knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and strong character foundations.

Every classroom at A New Day has a Spanish-speaking teacher, and Spanish is woven into the daily curriculum, giving students the gift of early exposure to a second language. For children ages two and up, additional enrichment opportunities are available. Students can participate in an optional weekly gymnastics class, and the center plans to begin offering art classes in the coming months.

Can you share a little about your philosophy or teaching approach?

At A New Day Child Development Center, our philosophy is simple yet profound: early childhood education lays the foundation for a lifetime of learning. Every child is seen as capable, curious, and unique - and our role is to nurture that natural love of discovery.

Our teaching approach combines developmentally appropriate practice with intentional instruction, ensuring children grow in every area:

• Whole-child focus: Supporting social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth.

• Balanced learning: A thoughtful mix of play-based experiences and structured activities helps children build independence while gaining essential school-readiness skills.

• Character development: Values such as compassion, honesty, and respect are woven into daily routines, making character-building as important as academics.

• Family partnerships: Recognizing parents as a child’s first teachers, we foster strong connections with families to create consistency between home and school.

Aligned with Texas Rising Star standards, A New Day offers small teacher-to-child ratios and intentional curriculum planning. The center uses the Teaching Strategies Curriculum, one of the top early childhood programs in the country. This framework emphasizes developmentally appropriate milestones and allows teachers to understand and support each child’s individual needs.

Assessment is guided by the GOLD system, which follows widely held expectations for children from birth through third grade. GOLD’s color-coded progressions help teachers select and adapt activities to support each child’s development and learning. The system also generates meaningful reports that inform classroom practices, shape individualized instruction, and ensure that children are growing in every area of development.

The result is a program that not only prepares children for kindergarten but gives them the skills and confidence they need for life.

Why/how did you start A New Day?

My vision for A New Day Child Development Center grew out of both personal experience and a lifelong passion for early childhood education.

My journey began in Victoria, Texas, where I owned Ms. Irma’s House, a home-based preschool for 20 years. The decision to open a preschool came from my own search for childcare for my younger daughter. I couldn’t find a place where I truly felt comfortable leaving her so I decided to create the kind of program I wanted for my own children - warm, family-centered, and focused on both care and education.

I moved to Spicewood in March 2009, and by June 2009, I opened A New Day Child Development Center in a small duplex off Bee Creek Road with just six students. From those humble beginnings, our program has grown into a thriving, accredited center. Yet its heart remains the same - to provide children with a place where they feel safe, loved, and excited to learn, while giving families the peace of mind that their little ones are truly cared for.

Are there upcoming enrollment opportunities, open houses, or events families should know about?

A New Day Child Development Center recently hosted its annual Meet the Teacher Week, a special time for families to connect with staff and explore classrooms. While that event has concluded, the school continues to welcome prospective families year-round.

Enrollment is ongoing, and the best way to experience what makes A New Day unique is through a scheduled personal tour. These visits allow families to see classrooms in action, meet dedicated teachers, and ask questions in a more personal setting.

Whether you’re new to the community or simply seeking a nurturing environment for your child, A New Day CDC invites families to discover why it has become a trusted place for early childhood education.

Anything else you’d love families to know about your school or staff?

At A New Day Child Development Center, the focus goes far beyond academics. The preschool is truly a community of educators and families working together to give children the very best start in life. Many of our teachers have dedicated years, some even decades, to this profession, and several have been part of A New Day’s story long-term. Each member of the team is here not only for their professional training, but because they genuinely love what they do. They bring patience, compassion, and dedication to helping every child succeed and thrive.

Families can feel confident knowing their children are cared for by teachers who treat them with the same respect and warmth they would want for their own children. Classrooms are designed to be safe, nurturing, and engaging spaces where children are free to explore, learn, and grow at their own pace.

Just as importantly, parents are seen as partners in the learning journey. Our team values open communication, celebrates milestones alongside families, and works hand in hand to support each child’s development.

A New Day Child Development Center
4828 Bee Creek Rd, Spicewood, TX 78669
[email protected]
512-264-737