Certified Curriculum
Loving, Experienced Staff
Safe & Secure Campus
Open 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM
NCI Accepted
Certified Curriculum
Loving, Experienced Staff
Safe & Secure Campus
Open 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM
NCI Accepted

Welcome to Panda Bear Academy

A Nurturing Environment for Your Child’s Growth
At Panda Bear Academy, we provide a safe, engaging, and stimulating environment where children develop a love for learning. Our experienced educators focus on play based education, fostering creativity, independence, and essential life skills.

Our academy is more than just a daycare—we are a second home for your child, ensuring they receive the best care and education during their early years. We believe in holistic development, emphasizing emotional, social, physical, and cognitive growth through fun, engaging activities.

Why Choose Panda Bear Academy?

Safe & Secure Learning Environment
State-of-the-art safety measures, CCTV monitoring, and a warm, caring atmosphere.
Highly Qualified & Caring Teachers
Certified educators with extensive experience in early childhood education.
Age-Appropriate Curriculum
A blend of Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and STEM-based learning approaches.
Fun & Interactive Learning Methods
Music, arts, outdoor play, and hands-on activities that keep children engaged.
Strong Parent-Teacher Partnership
Regular updates, meetings, and transparent communication to keep parents involved.
Schedule a Tour Today and experience the Panda Bear difference firsthand!
Schedule a Tour

Message from Owner

Welcome to Panda Bear Academy, my name is Gulzar Saleem, and I’m proud to be the owner of this wonderful childcare center. With a passion for early childhood development and a deep commitment to providing a nurturing and safe environment, I opened Panda Bear Academy with the goal of supporting both children and their families.

With 10+ years of experience in the childcare field, my journey began with a love for working with children, and that passion has only grown over the years. I hold a degree in Education, and I am dedicated to staying up to date with the latest in child development and education practices to ensure that the children in our care receive the best possible experience.

At Panda Bear Academy, we believe in creating a community where children feel safe, loved, and encouraged to explore their curiosity. We take pride in offering a fun, enriching environment that fosters growth, learning, and play.

As a parent myself, I understand how important it is to find a childcare provider you can trust, and I am committed to offering that peace of mind. Our staff is carefully selected, well-trained, and shares my dedication to giving children the best start in life.

I look forward to welcoming your family to ours!

Warmly,
Gulzar Saleem
Owner, Panda Bear Academy

More Than Just a Daycare
A Place for Growth & Discovery

A Nurturing Environment for Your Child’s Growth
Panda Bear Academy was founded with a simple yet powerful mission: to create a loving, secure, and stimulating environment where children thrive. Our team of dedicated educators fosters creativity, confidence, and social skills through a structured curriculum that prepares children for lifelong success.

Our Mission

To nurture every child’s unique potential through a safe, loving, and stimulating environment. We inspire joyful learning, encourage independence, and support growth in all areas of development.

Our Vision

We envision a future where every child grows with confidence, curiosity, and compassion. Padabear Academy is committed to building strong foundations for lifelong success — in school and beyond.

Our Philosophy

We believe children learn best through hands-on play, positive relationships, and a strong sense of belonging. Our whole-child approach supports emotional, social, and academic growth at every stage.
Exploration & Curiosity
Encouraging children to ask questions and think critically
Hands-On Learning
Interactive activities that help children retain knowledge better.
Social & Emotional Development
Teaching empathy, teamwork, and conflict resolution.
Physical Well-Being
Daily outdoor play and nutritious meals to support overall health.

Our Programs

From Cradle to Confidence – Every Child Thrives Here
At Padabear Academy, we design our programs to meet children where they are — developmentally, emotionally, and socially — and help them grow into confident, capable learners. Each classroom is structured to support a specific age group, with lesson plans tailored to spark curiosity, independence, and joy in learning.

Infants (6 weeks - 12 months)

A Loving Start That Feels Like Home
Our infant program provides a warm, nurturing space where your baby is cared for with love, patience, and consistency. Teachers engage in responsive caregiving — reading cues, offering comfort, and stimulating sensory and motor development.

  • Building secure attachment with primary caregivers
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Young Toddler Program (12 – 24 Months)

Exploring the World One Step at a Time
This stage is all about movement and discovery. Our young toddler classroom supports early walkers and talkers with hands-on learning that promotes independence, expression, and connection.

  • Encouraging mobility, balance, and coordination
Learn More

Older Toddler Program (2 – 3 Years)

Growing Independence and Big Feelings
This is a dynamic stage where children begin asserting themselves and engaging more deeply with peers. We balance guided play with emotional coaching and skill-building.

  • Language development through storytelling and conversation
Learn More

Preschool Program (3 – 4 Years)

Building the Foundation for School Success
Our preschool curriculum blends structured learning with playful discovery. Children begin developing school-readiness skills while deepening friendships and practicing teamwork.

  • Pre-reading and writing skills (letters, phonics, name recognition)
Learn More

Pre-K Program (4 – 5 Years)

Ready, Set, Kindergarten!
Our Pre-K program is designed to help children transition confidently into elementary school. We focus on problem-solving, group work, and foundational academic concepts using a fun, engaging approach

  • Literacy: sight words, storytelling, phonemic awareness
Learn More

Afterschool & Summer Program (Ages 5 – 12)

Safe, Fun, and Enriching Care for School-Age Kids
We provide dependable, engaging care after school and during summer breaks. Our programs include academic support, creative enrichment, and active play to keep kids happy, healthy, and learning

  • Homework help & reading time
Learn More

We’re Excited to Welcome You!

Choosing the right early learning center is a big decision — and we’re here to make it simple. Whether you're enrolling for the first time or transferring from another center, our team is ready to support you every step of the way.
Come visit our classrooms, meet our teachers, and experience the Panda bear difference in person.
Schedule a Tour
We’ll provide you with all necessary paperwork, including health and emergency forms. You can also request a digital copy.
Complete the Enrollment Form
Once accepted, we’ll confirm your child’s start date and classroom placement. A registration fee and deposit may be required to hold your spot.
Secure Your Spot

Download the app for iOS & Android

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Frequently Asked Questions

What age groups do you accept?
We welcome children from 6 weeks to 5 years old, plus offer afterschool care and summer programs for older children.
What are your hours of operation?
We are open Monday through Friday, 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM at Fondren Branch and 5:30 to 8:00 at Richmond Branch all year-round.
Do you accept NCI/Workforce Child Care Assistance?
Yes, we proudly accept NCI/Workforce Solutions Child Care Assistance at both locations. If you need help applying, we’re happy to guide you through the process.
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What Parents Say

Annalisa Rios

Both my kids have been going to Panda Bear Academy for about six months , at first of course any parent would be nervous and worried but as soon as they arrived they loved it. There’s even times where my kids don’t even want to come home yet they rather stay and be with the teachers still. The teachers are so loving and caring. The owners are absolutely amazing. They address any concerns right away, the place is very clean , and they provide nutritional snacks and very affordable. I would give this place 10 stars because five stars is just not enough.

Anum Atif

I highly recommend Panda Bear Academy richmond for your child. The quality is consistently outstanding, exceeding my expectations every time. The owner is so friendly and always answering your concerns. Their staff is not only friendly but also highly skilled. Pricing is very low and transparent compared to other daycares around – definitely value for money.

Takara Shaneice

I love this daycare. My baby loves this daycare. Every teacher has their own specific style and def keeps the kids on their toes. ❤️ and very affordable not to mention. Highly recommended

Alicia Evans

First off, i fell in love with the way the teachers are amazing with the kids , i love that the whole place is family orientated, and my son leaves wanting to go back

See what more Panda parents are saying!

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Fondren Branch
Richmond Branch

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