About Our Daycare: ABC Early Learning Academy in Ennis
ABC Early Learning Academy is a locally owned, Texas HHSC licensed daycare (license #1840100) at 1700 Cedar Run Road in Ennis, TX. We are licensed for 224 children, 6 weeks to 12 years, from 6 AM to 7 PM in a 16,550-square-foot building on 2.7 fenced acres, now under new ownership.
Made in Ennis, for Ennis
Most of our families do exactly what thousands of Ellis County parents do every morning: hit I-45 before sunrise and drive to Dallas for work. We built ABC around that reality: doors open at 6:00 AM, we serve hot meals all day, and we stay open until 7:00 PM, the only center in Ennis open past 6:30, so rush-hour traffic never turns into a late-pickup panic.
Our home is a purpose-built, 16,550-square-foot educational facility on 2.7 fenced acres at 1700 Cedar Run Road, Ennis, TX 75119, with spacious classrooms, our own kitchen, an indoor gym, and a big shaded playground. Some families know the building as the former Sunshine Kids Academy or Cedar Ridge Child Development; ABC is a new program under new ownership, licensed by Texas HHSC Child Care Regulation (license #1840100).
And because great early learning should be within reach of every family, we offer CCS enrollment help. CCS Child Care Scholarships: enrollment help available; ask us about current CCS status. See how we help with CCS.
Who runs ABC Early Learning Academy?
We are honored to be the co-owners of ABC Early Learning Academy. Together with our spouses, we share a passion for providing children with a safe, nurturing, and high-quality early learning experience where they can learn, grow, and thrive.
Kirstie Cantu
Co-Owner & Director
With 15+ years of experience in early childhood education and 11 years as a director, I am passionate about building a strong foundation for children to learn, grow, and thrive. As the Director of ABC Early Learning Academy, I am dedicated to leading our team with heart, purpose, and a commitment to excellence.
Azam Mirza
Co-Owner
With a strong background in business and leadership, I am committed to the long-term success of ABC Early Learning Academy. I bring a focus on operations, growth, and sustainability so we can continue to provide outstanding care and education for every child and family we serve.
United in our mission
As co-owners alongside our supportive spouses, we are united in our mission to create a place where children feel loved, families feel supported, and our staff thrive. We will continue to build a legacy of trust, community, and excellence.
Faith & Values
We lead with integrity, kindness, and a faith-centered approach in all that we do.
Family Focused
We value strong relationships with families and create a welcoming community.
Quality Education
We provide a nurturing environment where children learn, explore, and reach their full potential.
Growth & Vision
We are committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and building a bright future for our academy.
Building bright futures, one child at a time.
The whole child, every day
At ABC Early Learning Academy, our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and enriching early childhood education program that supports the whole child. We are committed to meeting the individual needs and interests of every child, supporting their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth.
We believe in building a strong foundation of respect, kindness, and empathy. Our goal is to create a loving, supportive environment where children feel valued, confident, and inspired to learn. We want every child to discover the joy of learning and develop a passion for knowledge that will last a lifetime.
Every child is a unique gift
We believe that every child is a unique gift with endless potential. Our curriculum combines Christian values with a high-quality educational approach to promote active learning, critical thinking, and problem solving.
We focus on nurturing the whole child: academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Through hands-on experiences, stable relationships, and a faith-filled environment, we help children build confidence, develop character, and grow in the love and knowledge of Jesus.
Take a look around
Every inch of the campus was designed for little people: fenced playgrounds with shade sails, a covered pavilion so outdoor time happens rain or shine, a trike track along the classrooms, and walking paths that wind through 2.7 acres of green.
The ABC promise
Always safe
Secure entry, trained staff, and state-licensed ratios in every classroom. Safety is the floor, not the ceiling.
Built on play
Children learn best when they're having fun. Our curriculum turns play into pre-reading, math, and social skills.
Community first
We're not just a daycare. We're neighbors. ABC shows up for Ennis events, schools, and families year-round.
Come see it for yourself
The best way to get to know ABC is in person. Walk the classrooms, meet Kirstie and the team, and see where your child's big days will happen.