General Information
Are you a staff, student, faculty member or joint venture partner at Rice University and need additional information about enrolling your child at the Rice Children’s Campus? The information below will answer your questions and help you navigate the enrollment process.
Eligibility
Children from six weeks through five years of age, regardless of race, color, creed, sex, religion, ancestry and national or ethnic origin are eligible for enrollment so long as a parent/guardian meets the eligibility requirements set forth by Rice University.
Waitlist Policies & Procedures
The Enrollment Process
Rice Children's Campus confirms eligibility through Rice University's Human Resource Department
When a vacancy occurs, the parents/guardians of the student will be notified of availability. Parents/guardians will be asked to submit a completed Enrollment Application in order to apply for a space in the Rice Children’s Campus. A non-refundable application fee of $75 is due upon submission of the enrollment materials and a tuition deposit equal to one-half of the monthly tuition is due for each child once admission is accepted.
The Enrollment Process is complete and your child(ren) begin at the Children’s Campus!
Please Note: The Following Must Be On File Before a Student Can Be Admitted to the Children’s Campus:
All Fees;
Completed Enrollment Application;
Completed Financial Agreement; and
Completed Medical Information Form
Frequently Asked Questions
Enrollment Information
What is the relationship between Rice University and the Center for Early Childhood Education?
Rice University is committed to expanding the availability of high-quality care for the infants and young children of our faculty, staff, students and joint venture partners. Rice and the Board of Trustees recognize that its ability to attract and retain the best faculty, staff and students is enhanced by providing a children’s campus. While Rice owns the land and the building, the Center for Early Childhood Education (CECE) operates Rice Children’s Campus (RCC). Enrollment is limited to benefit-eligible faculty, staff, students and joint venture partners.
What are my chances of getting my child into RCC?
We hope to be able to accommodate the children of Rice University faculty, staff and students. However, enrollment depends upon the age of your child(ren) and the ages and number of children currently
enrolled. Once your waitlist application is received, the process of enrollment will begin and you will be notified of your status.
Who is eligible to attend RCC?
Children six weeks old through 5 years of age are eligible for enrollment. At this time, RCC is open only to Rice University faculty, staff, students and joint venture partners.
How many children can be enrolled at RCC?
Currently, RCC can accommodate approximately 110 students.
Do I have to schedule an appointment to visit RCC?
Families interested in enrolling their child in RCC and families on the waitlist are welcome to visit. Prospective parents are encouraged to complete the waitlist application prior to scheduling an appointment. Scheduling an appointment helps to ensure that a staff member will be available to provide a tour and answer questions.
How do I submit an enrollment application?
Fill out our Online Waitlist Application. Once the application is completed we will begin the process of enrollment, assuming we have a space for your child(ren) and you meet eligibility criteria as determined by Rice University.
Is a deposit required?
Upon notification of placement at in RCC, an enrollment packet will be provided to prospective families. An application fee of $75 and a deposit fee equal to one-half month’s tuition are required to complete the enrollment process. The deposit is refundable with a minimum 45-day written notice of intent to withdraw.
Is there any priority given regarding enrollment into RCC?
Once a family has a child enrolled, siblings will be given priority. Additionally, RCC may implement preferential admission system prioritizing faculty, then staff, then student enrollment requests. Special circumstances may also be handled through Human Resources.
Does RCC offer drop-off/backup care?
Rice Children’s Campus does not offer drop-off/backup care. Rice offers backup care in downtown Houston, other centers around Houston and in the employee’s home as part of the employee’s WorkLife benefits. For more information visit http://people.rice.edu/benefits.cfm?doc_id=7681.
Rice Children's Campus Philosophy and Operating Principles
Who will be my child’s teachers?
RCC is staffed with a highly qualified, diverse and experienced team of early childhood professionals. Our faculty is knowledgeable in child growth and development, guidance techniques, cultural and individual diversity, observation and assessment, and the Montessori curriculum. Additionally, our faculty are familiar with Dr. T. Berry Brazelton’s Touchpoints approach to working with families.
Does my child have to be toilet trained?
No. “Toilet learning” is included as part of the daily process of the child’s natural growth and development. Each classroom is equipped to assist children and parents in this process.
What is the teacher-to-student ratio?
The teacher-to-student ratio meets or exceeds standards adopted by the National Association for the (NAEYC) Education of Young Children and the Texas Child Care Licensing Department. Classroom ratios for RCC are as follows:
- Nursery 1-to-4
- Transition 1-to-5
- Toddlers 1-to-6
- Twos 1-to-7
- Pre-Primary 1-to-8
- Primary 1-to-10
What is the curriculum philosophy of RCC?
RCC is committed to providing the best possible educational experiences for young children and their families. Understanding that strong partnerships with families is a critical component of a quality early childhood education program, RCC offers many opportunities for parental involvement. The fundamental framework for our curriculum is based on the Montessori Method, which recognizes that the first six years of a child’s quest for knowledge are characterized not only by ordinary curiosity but also by an acute need to learn and explore. Each classroom environment is equipped to ensure the success of all students with teachers facilitating learning in five key areas: math, language, science, sensory development and everyday living skills. Life lessons of respect, cooperation, appreciation of others, problem solving and responsibility are modeled and practiced on a daily basis by children and staff.
Is the school licensed?
Rice Children’s Campus is licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services- Child Care Licensing Department and is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Is RCC nonsectarian?
RCC is dedicated to providing a culturally rich and diverse community with awareness and respect for each family’s individuality. There are no religious instructions, affiliation or practices at Rice Children’s Campus.
How can parents become involved at RCC?
RCC serves as a hub for an array of family activities and offers parents a multitude of ways to be involved, including classroom observation, lunch in or out with their child, Week of the Young Child activities, holiday-related activities, guest reading opportunities, birthdays, fundraising fairs, parent resource library coordination and many other activities. Additionally, interested parents will be asked to provide input on specific topics of interest throughout the year. Parents are always welcome and encouraged to drop-in and visit.
Will I be able to breast-feed my child at RCC?
Yes. RCC/CECE support breastfeeding mothers and offers a private lounge room as well as rockers in the infant rooms.
My child has special needs. Can I enroll him/her at RCC?
Your child will not be precluded from enrollment as long as RCC is able to meet his or her physical, developmental and emotional needs. Rice Children’s Campus looks upon each child individually and efforts will be made to meet the needs of each child in care. In caring for children with special needs, we make deliberate plans to provide inclusive activities while ensuring everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Will there be any off-campus activities offered?
At this time there are no plans to offer off-campus activities. Developmentally and age-appropriate activities are offered on-site for enrolled children.
Will I be able to see my child’s classroom over the Internet?
No. Classrooms will not be equipped with cameras.
Fees and Hours
How much does it cost to enroll my child and how often will I be billed?
Tuition is paid on a monthly basis. The monthly tuition rates are as follows:
As of September 1st 2025
- Primary – $1,700
- Pre-Primary – $1,730
- Twos- $1,760
- Toddlers – $1,780
- Transition – $1,800
- Nursery – $1,820
How is the tuition calculated?
Tuition is calculated to meet the costs associated with operating a high quality early childhood education facility.
Do I have to pay for days my child does not attend?
Tuition is calculated on a monthly basis. There is not a reduction in tuition for days your child is absent or days the school is closed.
What are the hours of operation?
The hours of operation are 7 a.m.–6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
When is Rice Children’s Campus closed (holiday schedule)?
The holiday schedule parallels Rice University’s staff holiday schedule. RCC is open during the university’s designated Spring Break and during the summer and winter breaks except for the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Is there a sibling discount?
Yes. The oldest sibling enrolled receives a 15 percent discount off his or her tuition.
Can my child attend less than full time?
Your child can attend less than full time, however, tuition rates are based on full-time enrollment with no reduction in tuition for part-time attendance.
Will I have to pay for my child during the summer months?
Yes. You must pay for your child during the summer months as tuition is based on annual enrollment. If you withdraw your child for the summer, re-enrollment for the fall cannot be guaranteed.
Day-to-Day Operations
Where is RCC located?
Rice Children’s Campus is located one block west of campus at 5504 Chaucer Drive between University and Rice Boulevard and parallel to Greenbriar Drive. Limited onsite parking is available for drop-off and pickup.
Does Rice University operate Rice Children’s Campus?
No. RCC is operated by the Center for Early Childhood Education (CECE). CECE is affiliated with Metropolitan Montessori Schools, Inc. an organization that has a long history of providing quality early childhood education to Houston’s young children. MMS has operated Cathedral House Episcopal School in downtown Houston for 40 years.
Are meals provided for my child during school days?
Meals and snacks are provided for enrolled children. The health and nutritional needs of the children are the primary considerations in menu planning. RCC makes every attempt to meet dietary and/or cultural preferences. In the event we are unable to meet these needs, parents are welcome and encouraged to provide preferred meals and snacks.
Are the teachers trained in CPR/First Aid?
Yes. All teachers and staff are certified in Infant/Toddler First Aid and CPR and certifications are kept current. Additional health and safety trainings are provided throughout the year for all teachers and staff.
What do I need to bring/send for my child?
Each class provides families with a list of items, such as extra clothes, diapers, blankets, personal supplies, etc.
What extracurricular/enrichment activities will be offered?
RCC offers a variety of developmentally and age- appropriate enrichment opportunities to enhance day-to-day activities. For a comprehensive list please contact the Center’s administration. These activities are optional and additional fees may be required.
Are naps offered during school hours?
RCC provides parents with a daily schedule of activities that include academic instruction, nap times, outdoor play times and special activities. Quiet times will be offered for children not requiring a full nap.
Can I drop-off my child’s car seat for someone else to use for pickup?
RCC has a designated area for car seat drop-off. The administration will need to be notified if someone other than a parent will be picking up a child. If you need additional information or have questions not covered here, please contact us at Info@DiscoverCECE.org or via telephone at (713) 348-5437.