By CASSIE MCKEE, Four Points News

Parents in the Four Points area will soon have a new option for preschool and childcare with the opening of a new Goddard School in the Quinlan Crossing Shopping Center.

The school, which is expected to open near the end of the year, is under construction at 5145 RM 620 N.

The Steiner Ranch school is owned by Jennifer Burton, a former preschool and kindergarten teacher with eight years experience in the Pflugerville Independent School District.

She said she knew there was need for more preschool options in Four Points.

“A lot of the families are starting early with their kids and are interested in education,” Burton said.

The Goddard School is a national franchise that was recognized as a top childcare center by Entrepreneur Magazine.

Jennifer Burton is opening the Goddard School in Quinlan Crossing.

“I love teaching but it’s always been a dream of mine to own my own business,” Burton, 30, said. “A few years back I started looking at what I could do. I knew I wanted to stay in education so I started looking at preschools. I had some friends whose kids were attending the Pflugerville Goddard School and really liked it. The business model that they have is really strong.”

Because there was already a school in Pflugerville, where Burton still resides, she began scouting other locations. She wanted an Austin location, and once she discovered the land available near Steiner Ranch, she knew it would be perfect.

Goddard offers flexible programs, ranging from two to five days a week. They offer half- and full-day programs, as well as extended hours for families who need it.

It will serve children ages six weeks through kindergarten. It will also offer an after-school program for children in kindergarten through the third grade, though this will not be available initially.

Goddard School has a dual-management approach, with both the owner and an educational director on site every day. As owner, Burton will greet families and manage the business side of the school. The educational director will oversee curriculum and teacher development.

Burton said teachers will use a specialized curriculum but will also have the flexibility to create activities based on their students’ interests and needs.

She said one of the biggest things she’s learned from her teaching experience is that all children have the ability to learn.

“Educators always say it but it is put to the test when you get a challenging student,” Burton said. “I definitely believe that all student can learn if you can find what motivates that child. I can encourage my teachers to get through to each child because I know it’s possible.”

Upon enrolling at the school, pre-K and kindergarten children are individually assessed through an age-appropriate, 15-minute computer game.

“We use those results to create lesson plans for the child,” Burton said.

Burton said parents whose children attend the school can rest assured, knowing they are attending a trusted name. The school was first started 25 years ago.

“We have a research-based educational program,” she said. “We believe that learning is fun and learning is for life. We’re going to prepare each child for future success.”

The Goddard School will begin enrolling in August and will continue until full. Goddard said the school will have an enrollment event in August, though a date has not yet been set. At full capacity, the school will accommodate 150 students.

For more information, contact Burton at (512) 910-8456 or visitwww.goddardschool.com.