Winter break is coming up soon, bringing a great opportunity to relax, reset, and get ready for the rest of the school year. The holiday season is also a busy time that can pose challenges for families and disrupt routines that children develop during the fall semester.
See a list of tips, tricks, and activities that can help keep children and families happy and healthy while encouraging continued learning over the winter break.
Staying Healthy During Winter Break
Colds, coughs, and the flu are more common during the winter months. Help your child stay healthy by:
- Washing hands often with soap and warm water.
- Covering coughs and sneezes with elbows, not hands.
- Getting plenty of rest and eating nutritious foods.
- Keeping your child home if they have a fever or are not feeling well. A flu shot is also a great way to protect your family this season!
Bundle Up for the Weather
As temperatures drop, please make sure your child comes to school dressed warmly — coats, hats, and mittens help keep everyone cozy during outdoor play. Layers work best for chilly mornings and warmer afternoons! Here are a few additional tips to keep your family safe and comfortable this season:
- Encourage children to stay hydrated
- Supervise children during outdoor play and limit time in extreme cold.
- Keep an emergency kit in your car for winter travel.
Holiday & Winter Safety Tips
Enjoy a safe and happy holiday season by:
- Keeping small objects, batteries, and ornaments out of young children’s reach.
- Using lights safely and turning them off before bedtime.
- Supervising children around candles, fireplaces, and holiday cooking.
- Taking time to rest and recharge as a family.
Early Literacy Opportunities Over the Break
Visit your local San Antonio Public Library for free early literacy programs, story times, and take-home activities! Families can also check out books about winter, holidays, and kindness to keep young minds learning over the break.
Maintaining Healthy Routines
Keeping a consistent routine over the holidays helps children transition back to school smoothly:
- Maintain regular bedtimes and wake-up times.
- Offer healthy meals and snacks rich in fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
- Encourage daily movement — dancing, walking, or playing outdoors.
Family-Friendly Winter Fun
Explore San Antonio this winter!
- The DoSeum offers free admission on select community days.
- San Antonio Museum of Art is free on Tuesdays from 4–7 p.m.
- Visit local parks for nature walks, scavenger hunts, or picnic lunches (weather permitting).
- Make winter crafts or bake together for a cozy indoor day.
Check out this link for more places to visit during the winter in San Antonio.
Healthy Winter Recipes from CHEF
Keep family meals nutritious and fun this season! Try these child-friendly recipes from CHEF, Culinary Health Education for Families.
Look for simple recipes you can make together, like veggie soups, smoothies, and healthy snacks.
Highlights of the School Year
- We celebrated the grand opening of our new South Education Center on the city’s South Side, which for the first time includes infant and toddler classrooms in addition to our preschool-program.
- Our students once again exceeded national readiness thresholds in cognitive, literacy and math measures, confirming the strong impact of high-quality early education at Pre-K 4 SA.
- We held a successful Open House event in December 2025 for families to visit all our centers, meet staff, and engage in community-building.
- Many of our centers partnered with community organizations to bring extra resources and support to families—helping beyond the classroom and strengthening the whole family’s learning experience.
- We expanded access to early childhood programs in a child-care “desert” area of San Antonio—making high-quality early learning available where children and families needed it most.
- Our calendar of family-friendly events included the “Family Reunion”, “Celebration of Lights”, and themed learning opportunities—all designed to bring families, children, and staff together for joyful learning.
We are so proud of our growth and success!
