Get to Know us
Welcome to Pint-Size Playhouse, an award-winning home preschool proudly serving South Austin since 2005. Our play-based preschool has received state and local awards, reflecting our dedication and unwavering commitment to high-quality childcare.
Our little school is a remarkable community built on communication, partnership, and strong connections between teachers, parents, and students. Together we create a joyful, peaceful space for children to explore and discover the wonders of learning through play!
We are a Licensed Home Preschool ~ Licensed and regulated through Texas Health and Human Services
We are a Certified Wildlife Habitat® ~ National Wildlife Federation. Our preschool’s sustainable outdoor play yard is like having an outdoor classroom. Children are given the opportunity to hone in on their innate curiosity and creativity surrounding nature.
Healthy Snack menu created by Nutritionist, Misti Buie ~ Balanced Foodies. Misti created a healthy, kid-friendly, snack menu exclusively for Pint-Size Playhouse. Misti focuses on overall health and wellness, as well as shaping healthy eating habits with wholesome foods.
We offer monthly enrichment classes:
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Yoga - Shakti Kids Yoga- Ms. Liz has designed a 45-minute interactive yoga and meditation class for young children. She teaches balance, peace, stretching, relaxation, and mindfulness. Ms. Liz visits once a month.
https://www.shaktikidsyoga.com/
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Music - Mr. Sean's Music- Mr. Sean's classes are jam packed with 40 minutes of dancing, singing, exploring sounds, rhythm, instruments, gross motor, coordination, social/emotional components, improvising, creative expression, listening skills, and body control. Mr. Sean visits twice a month. https://mrseansmusic.com/
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Art - Studio Moon Mobile Art- Ms. Sarah Moon leads a fun,hands-on process art class that nutures creativity and self-expression through open-ended projects. Ms. Sarah visits twice a month.
"I firmly believe my mission is to give parents peace of mind as they work to support their families,
by offering high-quality childcare in a safe, fun-spirited,
play-based learning environment!"
~Nicole Perez
nICOLE pEReZ
(She/Her)
Owner/Director/Lead Teacher
Nicole is a wife, mother, and teacher! She is an early childhood development educator with over 25 years of coaching and teaching experience. Nicole has always had a passion for teaching children and connecting with parents. In 1995, she became a Certified Parent Educator through the Texas Association of School Boards and helped facilitate parenting classes throughout Texas. Nicole earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential through Austin Community College and is a qualified Texas Child Care Director.
In the summer of 2005, she transformed her two-car garage into a beautiful preschool classroom and opened the doors to Pint-Size Playhouse with a simple dream... to create a warm, nurturing place where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn each day.
Today, Pint-Size Playhouse continues to be a joyful, play-based learning community where curiosity is encouraged, friendships blossom, and children build the confidence and skills they need for kindergarten and beyond. Nicole considers it a privilege to partner with families during these important early years and is honored to have earned the trust of South Austin families for more than two decades.
"Your child is my student
that automatically makes
us a team!"
Recognitions:
We're Award-Winning
In 2009, Nicole was named ‘Central Texas Outstanding Caregiver’ by PBS-KLRU-Austin. Nicole was also honored the same year, by the State of Texas and Representative Valinda Bolton, during the second annual Texas Child Care Awards Ceremony for her dedication, compassion, and undeniable gift of working with young children in the Capital City.
In 2011, Nicole and the Pint-Size Playhouse were selected by The University of Texas at Austin, Early Childhood Development Department to participate in an educational training video for UT Early Child Development students.
In 2013, Nicole was selected as the ‘Texas Spotlight Provider’ by Texas Department of Child and Protective Services and was featured in a full-page article for their Data Books and Reports.
In 2025, Nicole was recognized by Travis County, United Way, Gava, Texas Workforce, Austin-PBS, and Texas State Representative, Tamiatha Blackmon for her dedication in providing over 20 years of high-quality childcare to families and children in South Austin.
Nicole and Pint-Size Playhouse have also been featured in several local magazines, newspapers, and KVUE News for having a high-quality preschool program. Nicole is also a member of several child care associations and early educational organizations, NAFCC, NAEYC, Fairydust Teachings, and The Circle Outdoor Classrooms.