By Analuisa Sandoval, Preschool Teacher, Madonna Center
When people think about Pre-K 4 SA, they often think about the children who walk through the classroom doors each day. While those children are at the heart of the work, my story is proof that the impact of Pre-K 4 SA extends far beyond the classroom walls.
I am a preschool teacher at Madonna Center, a proud partner of Pre-K 4 SA’s San Antonio Shared Services Alliance, and a participant in the Child Development Associate (CDA) program sponsored by Pre-K 4 SA. Through the San Antonio Shared Services Alliance, community-based early learning programs like Madonna Center receive professional development, coaching, resources, and ongoing support that strengthen teaching practices and improve outcomes for children and families.
I am also the mother of five children, three of whom have had the opportunity to attend Pre-K 4 SA. Because of these experiences, I have seen the impact of this organization from every perspective as a parent, an educator, and now as a professional committed to early childhood education.
Earning my CDA has been one of the most meaningful accomplishments of my career. It wasn’t easy. I balanced a full-time job, raising five children, being a wife, and dedicating countless evenings and weekends to my coursework. There were many late nights, stressful days, and moments when I questioned whether I could keep going. Through it all, my family stood beside me. My children celebrated every milestone with me and reminded me why this work matters. Seeing their pride in my accomplishments has made every sacrifice worthwhile. It has also shown them that with determination, perseverance, and hard work, they can achieve their own dreams.
This journey has transformed me as an educator. Through the CDA program, I’ve gained practical strategies, strengthened my understanding of child development and family engagement, and become more intentional about creating a classroom where every child feels safe, valued, and excited to learn.
My passion for early childhood education comes from my own childhood experiences. I remember having a teacher and a school that became a second home, a place where I felt seen, supported, and safe. Those memories shaped who I am today, and they inspire me every day to create that same sense of belonging for every child who enters my classroom.
One of the most meaningful parts of this experience has been the relationships I have built along the way. Through the CDA cohort, I have connected with other early childhood educators who share the same passion for children and families. We have encouraged one another, celebrated successes together, and supported each other through challenges. Those connections have become an important reminder that none of us does this work alone.
The coaches who guide this initiative have also made a lasting impact on my journey. Their encouragement, expertise, and genuine investment in our success have helped me grow both personally and professionally. They create an environment where educators feel supported, valued, and empowered to continue learning. Knowing there is someone who believes in your potential makes all the difference.
As both a parent and an educator, I’ve witnessed how Pre-K 4 SA invests not only in children, but also in the families who shape their futures. Through programs like the CDA and the San Antonio Shared Services Alliance, educators are equipped with the knowledge, coaching, and support they need to grow professionally and better serve children and families.
Today, I am exactly where I’m meant to be. Every child deserves a teacher who believes in their potential. Every family deserves a trusted partner in their child’s education. And every educator deserves opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.
I am grateful that Pre-K 4 SA has been part of my journey. The investment in my professional growth has made me a stronger teacher, a more confident leader, and an even more committed advocate for young children. That’s the true impact of Pre-K 4 SA; it doesn’t just change the lives of children. It changes the lives of the people who help them learn, grow, and succeed.
