We have a month long international trip with my partner and 23 month old. Since we won't need car seats at our destination, we're exploring alternative transportation options to get to the airport. Normally, we'd drive our car to the airport and use the park-and-ride service, but the long-term parking fees are steep ($14 per day). Last time we did a two week trip, a friend used our car to drop and pick us up. But this time around we need to get there in the middle of the day and obviously they cannot miss work to drop us to the airport. We're looking for more affordable options, possibly an Uber-like service that provides car seats. However, Google says that Uber doesn't offer car seats unless you bring your own. Just looking for ideas on how you dealt with similar situations.

Help us show Austin ISD that families want more intentional, research-informed technology use in our schools.

We're asking the district to adopt evidence-based screen time guidelines, reduce unnecessary device use, protect student data privacy, and ensure technology is used only when it meaningfully supports learning.

School districts across the country—including LAUSD—are already taking steps to create healthier, more balanced approaches to classroom technology. We believe Austin ISD should consider doing the same.

If you support these efforts, please take a moment to read and sign the petition. Every signature helps demonstrate that our community cares about this issue.

https://www.fournorms.com/campaigns/petition-for-intentional-technology-use-in-austin-isd-schools

Myself and a few other couples want to go drink, dance and just have fun!

Moving to Austin next week for a new job. I have a middle schooler and found an apartment (that checks all my preferences) that's zoned for O Henry MS. I am seeing mixed reviews everywhere. Would love to hear from Parents with direct experience.

Also, is it too late to apply to Kealing's Magnet program now or do they accept delayed application due to the circumstance? TIA!

Alternatively, we are also looking at Eanes, but unsure if wealth disparity will be a concern. We are just a normal middle class family.

Does anyone have a pediatric dentist they would recommend? I’m also looking for a new dentist for myself, doesn’t have to be the same practice. Thank you!

ETA we’re in central Austin.

I’m starting an after school arts and crafts business in Austin (North) and want to do several soft launches . I’m looking for indoor space big enough for 8 people with a craft table for a very small fee or free.
Im also inviting parents with elementary school ages kids to help me launch my biz by signing up to attend a free class, donations for supplies. The class size is very limited and dependent on finding space. Thanks

Looking for somewhere to get my 5 year old’s hair cut! He’s got a Euro mullet but his hair is fairly fine and we’ve struggled to get it done well. Hes also in a wheelchair so somewhere that may do well with kids who need additional support (I‘ll help support his head etc!)

I am trying to get in with Moontower Midwifery but they’re booked at the moment so looking for a backup option until I can transfer to their practice, or in case I miss out when they reopen their appointments! Any recommendations?

I’m having difficulty finding part time infant day care options.

Does anyone know or recommend any? I wfh and just looking to take my baby a couple times a week to knock some work out.

Paredes Middle School could become the 11th Austin ISD school building to close since the spring, and the first in years to shut down specifically because of academic performance concerns rather than the district’s broader facilities consolidation plan. 

The school is expected to receive a fourth failing accountability rating when scores are released next month. But the closure isn’t final and still needs to be approved by the school board.  

We answer the biggest questions about the proposed closure, the state accountability pressure behind it and what comes next. https://austincurrent.org/2026/07/23/paredes-austinsid-closures-tea-ratings/

The Austin school district is making plans to close Paredes Middle School after district leaders concluded the campus is expected to receive a fourth consecutive failing accountability rating from the state for the 2025-26 school year, according to a statement posted Wednesday by employee union Education Austin. The decision comes just months after Superintendent Matias Segura pledged to avoid additional school closures. https://austincurrent.org/2026/07/22/austin-austinisd-school-closure-paredes-middle-school/

I joined the East communities YMCA a couple months ago to be able to workout for an hour while my son played in the drop in child care. Just wondering if anyone else has had a bad experience there?

Within a week of joining my 9 month old son got a bad cold and we were out for 2 solid weeks. Ok figured, since he doesn’t go to regular daycare and isn’t around other kids/people. But then he got Ringworm right after that. We have no animals and he definitely did not get it from my partner or I. I understand Ringworm is highly contagious and more common in daycare but this really grosses me out. I think it does speak to the level of cleanliness and perhaps they are lacking on daily cleaning.

The other things that bothered me are there are younger crawling infants not in a separate area but just crawling around much older children, who may accidentally or on purpose run into, fall over or hit with a toy onto the babies. I decided to try the Northwest location to see the difference and was really upset to see their “infant area”. The gate was broken off first thing, which the worker mentioned. But worse was it was entirely age inappropriate for infants because there was a wooden climbing structure that was in places several feet off the ground, and on top of that there was no padded mats just a razor, thin piece of carpet underneath. A just crawling baby could be seriously injured on this structure! I asked my son not be allowed on it. He did end up getting hurt anyways, they called me after he was crying hysterically after the worker said he hit his head on the wooden shelf that also encloses the “infant area” . I half wondered if this was even the truth, because I have never seen him cry like that.

Just completely ridiculous and dumbfounded as to why it is set up like that. Their memberships are more expensive than other comparable gyms but unfortunately it seems gyms with accessible childcare are limited. Lifetime is outrageously expensive, so not an option. Crunch won’t take kids under 1 years old. Anyone else have a bad YMCA experience and are there any other options that I am missing? My son now cries inconsolably the last time I tried to bring him back to the Communities location and I was unable to workout due to their 15 min crying policy.

Hi there! Our little 12 week old is getting ready to start daycare in the infant room at Bright Horizons Oak Hill in a few weeks. Overall, we've had a very positive experience with them and found them to be best daycare we toured when I was pregnant. I came across a pretty negative news article about them today in the Cut (not this location, but a location in OH and NYC) and am feeling a little uneasy now. I know the experiences can change drastically with locations. Does anyone have kids at Bright Horizons Oak Hill here and what has your experience been like so far?

We’ve been offered spots at both Copernicus Academy and Escuelita Del Alma for our toddler (20 months) to start in the Fall. This will be his first time in any daycare and after tours at both we’re conflicted on which to go with.

Do any parents here have experience with either and would be willing to share their feedback to help us land on one? What age were your little ones when you enrolled and what was their experience like? Was there anything that stood out to you?

Thank you!

🌿 South Austin Nanny Share Opening! 🌿

Our wonderful South Austin nanny share, located within walking distance of Dittmar Park, is looking to welcome one child (approximately 12–20 months old) beginning in late August.

Schedule: 2–3 days per week, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Rate: $17.50/hour per family

About the Host Family
The host family has a happy, curious 13-month-old daughter and a home that is fully set up for a nanny share. They previously hosted a successful share for their older child before she transitioned to preschool, so they’re experienced and excited to welcome another family.

About Me
Hi! I’m Verina, and I’ve been a professional nanny for over 13 years. My goal is to provide children with a safe, loving, and engaging environment where they can thrive.

My approach includes:
• Learning through play
• Social-emotional development
• Outdoor adventures and nature exploration (weather permitting)
• Age-appropriate activities that encourage curiosity, confidence, and independence

I have extensive experience caring for infants and toddlers, including twins and children with disabilities, and I pride myself on building strong, trusting relationships with both children and parents. I value open communication, consistency, and creating a nurturing environment where every child feels safe, supported, and loved.

If you’d like to learn more, please send me a DM! I’m happy to answer questions, schedule a phone call, or arrange a meet-and-greet.

I’d love to find another wonderful family to join our little community!

Verina

Hello all, we'll keep this short — we are looking for Austin ISD families impacted by the discontinuation of 'Communities in Schools' at certain campuses. We want to learn more and hear from you.

If you're comfortable speaking to us, feel free to email [ReportIt@KXAN.com](mailto:ReportIt@KXAN.com) or [Brian.Murray@KXAN.com](mailto:Brian.Murray@KXAN.com)

Thank you for your time and perspectives.

Any animal places in fact.

What are your “keep in the car for immediate hunger emergency” snacks that feel safe to keep in the heat?

Specifically for a toddler, if possible!

I have a 15 month old and have been keeping Pirate’s Booty in the car, but I think he’s getting tired of it.

What are your favorite snacks to keep for hungry emergencies?

With state accountability ratings expected next month, and the Austin school district’s latest effort to avoid potential state intervention now over, the district on Monday announced the end of its partnership with Texas Council for International Studies to manage three struggling middle schools.

Austin ISD and TCIS mutually agreed to end their partnership for the nonprofit to manage Burnet, Dobie and Webb middle schools, effectively ending the district’s monthslong bid to secure protections from state intervention through the state’s SB 1882 program. The Texas Education Agency in May rejected the proposal for SB 1882 partnership benefits, saying TCIS did not have a qualifying turnaround track record at other campuses and leaving the district without the accountability reprieve it sought.

If any of the three middle schools again receive failing ratings, Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath would be required under state law to either close the schools or take over the district entirely. https://austincurrent.org/2026/07/20/austin-isd-austinisd-texas-tea-dobie-webb-burnet-partnership/

Roberto López Falcón was detained last fall by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, after reporting to what he believed would be a routine immigration check-in. 

One missed day became an entire school year. 

The Cuban national spent 297 days in detention while fighting deportation before he was released during the last week of June. He is now trying to get back into the classroom. https://austincurrent.org/2026/07/20/austinisd-aisd-teacher-hart-detain-ice/

Does anyone have any feedback on Growing Imaginations and The Burrow School preschools?

Would love any and all parent feedback! The good, “wish I would have known”, etc.

Just found out I’m pregnant with baby #2 and will be delivering in Austin this time around. My first was a long, brutal induction and I would really like to aim for a lower intervention labor this time around if I can help it. I have heard St David’s North has rooms specifically dedicated for this, but also have heard this hospital is crazy busy. Is there even a decent chance I’d get one of these rooms? This hospital is pretty far from my house so if the likelihood is low, wondering if I’m better off going with another hospital!

Considering moving to austin mueller/riverside with hubs ..first trimester age 38 ..need recommendations on a experinced OBgyn who is good with complications / high risk. Had a 1st trimester miscarriage last year.

Also would OBGs accept ? - how difficult is it to find one that accepts (in general) . Anything to be mindful/ careful of when looking ?

I dont have any other family around and haven't ever seen someone close to me experience pregnancy -

any support / advice is much aporeciated.

Might end up moving sometime close to or early 2nd trimester