Follow along to see the critical thinking skills and active learning built into each step of the day.
By 2022, 90% of eligible four-year-olds in San Antonio were enrolled in prekindergarten.
Continue reading
Neither the private market nor state policy has closed the structural gap in early learning.
Continue reading
Local libraries are wonderful places for children and families to explore together.
Continue reading
Since 2011, the H-E-B Read 3 has encouraged children and families to make reading a part of their weekly routine.
Continue reading
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.
Starting school is a significant milestone for both parents and children, particularly for those as young as 3 and 4 years old. Pre-K 4 SA Instructional Specialists have provided tips to ensure a smooth transition into this new chapter of your child’s life.
Continue reading
By Dr. Sarah Baray, Pre-K 4 SA CEO
As we begin a new calendar year, I find myself reflecting proudly on all that Pre-K 4 SA’s children, families, educators, and community partners achieved together in 2025.
While every year brings progress to celebrate, this one stands out as a powerful reminder of what is possible when we invest in early learning and prioritize giving children the strongest possible start.
One of this year’s most significant accomplishments was celebrating the opening of the new South Education Center. This state-of-the-art Center is more than a new building; it is a reflection of our commitment to the city’s youngest learners and their families, as well as educators and the future of San Antonio.
The new South Center is a critical investment in expanding access to early childhood programs in a part of our city that’s considered a child-care desert. By bringing programs directly into communities with limited options, we are meeting families where they are and ensuring more children have the opportunity to begin their educational journey with confidence.
The South Center also includes infant and toddler classrooms, aligning with our mission to bridge educational gaps and ensure children in San Antonio have a strong foundation for future academic success.
This year, Pre-K 4 SA children exceeded national readiness thresholds in cognitive, literacy, and math measures. These results reaffirm what we observe every day: children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally in joy-filled, high-quality early learning environments. Our educators continue to set a standard of excellence, producing outcomes that will guide a generation of children through their educational journeys.
Throughout the year, we also expanded our collaboration with community organizations across our centers. From mental health support to family resource workshops, these partnerships ensure that families have access to the tools and services they need to thrive. We know that children learn best when their families feel supported. By working together with trusted partners, we are enriching the whole-family experience in meaningful and lasting ways.
In November, we hosted our 7th annual Family Reunion at Morgan’s Wonderland, welcoming thousands of current and former Pre-K 4 SA families for a day of laughter, learning, and celebration. Watching children giggle with glee and families form bonds with one another and staff in such a joyful setting reminded us why community is at the heart of everything we do. Moments like these strengthen the bonds that support a child’s growth long after the school day ends.
We closed out the calendar year with a December full of family-friendly events, including our Open House, Pop-Up Shops, Celebration of Lights, and family-led learning experiences. These activities brought together families, children, and staff in ways that highlighted the joy of learning and the warmth of community. Every smile, every shared moment, and every creative discovery served as a reminder of why our work matters so deeply.
As we look forward to 2026, I am energized by the progress we’ve made and the possibilities ahead. Thank you to every family that’s been with us on this journey, every educator who brought their passion and expertise into the classroom, and every partner who helped us strengthen our impact across the city. Together, we’ll continue opening the door to possibilities for each child, each family, and the communities we serve.
On Saturday, November 8, over 1,500 adults and 1,600 children gathered at Morgan’s Wonderland for Pre-K 4 SA’s 7th annual Family Reunion, an afternoon of fun and connection for past and current Pre-K 4 SA families.
Morgan’s Wonderland is a one-of-a-kind, accessible amusement park with rides, attractions, and activities for people of all ages and abilities—ensuring everyone in attendance could experience all the park has to offer.
While children played, laughed, and explored the park, their families had the opportunity to connect with vendors representing a number of local partners including The Children’s Shelter, various City of San Antonio departments, SAWS, and several community health organizations.
Rockstar—Pre-K 4 SA’s mascot who made a debut at last year’s Family Reunion—was on site to hand out famous high-fives and photo ops, and was joined by other partners’ mascots including SAPD’s McGruff the crime dog, Tower of the Americas’ Tori the Tower, and more.
Since the first event in 2019, Pre-K 4 SA’s annual Family Reunion has offered an outlet to celebrate our impact on the communities we serve, and an opportunity to build lasting bonds between families, educators, school staff, and community partners.
Family Reunion is just one of several opportunities our Family Engagement Team creates each school year to build community among families we serve.
Stay tuned to our events calendar for more upcoming chances to connect and celebrate being part of the Pre-K 4 SA community.
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.
Colds, coughs, and the flu are more common during the winter months. Help your child stay healthy by:
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:
Enjoy a safe and happy holiday season by:
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.
Keeping a consistent routine over the holidays helps children transition back to school smoothly:
Explore San Antonio this winter!
Check out this link for more places to visit during the winter in San Antonio.
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.
We are so proud of our growth and success!
Pre-K 4 SA’s Gracias San Antonio: Children Are Citizens spans most of each school year, teaching children about the joy and importance of civic engagement through art and exploration.
One of the key tenets of Gracias San Antonio is that children are not just future citizens—they’re current citizens, capable of voicing their opinions and contributing to our city’s civic and cultural life.
Throughout the four-part Gracias San Antonio program, children:
Each year, Pre-K 4 SA staff submit three to four local nonprofits for consideration on the Gracias ballot.
Once the charities have agreed to participate, children, families and staff learn about each organization in the month leading up to the Gracias election. On election day, which coincides with actual local and national elections, children vote for which organization they’d like to support.
This provides a chance for teachers to engage children in concepts of community involvement, volunteerism, and the role that charitable organizations play in our city. It also helps them understand that each election is a chance to express what type of change they’d like to see happen in their community.
This year, children and families voted to support The Children’s Shelter, an organization committed to prevention and intervention for families and children who have experienced abuse and neglect.
Established in 1901, The Children’s Shelter has served San Antonio children and families for over 100 years. In addition to providing emergency shelter in times of crisis, The Children’s Shelter also provides trauma-informed counseling and social work services, as well as recruit, train, and support foster families.
During each fall semester, classes go on city explorations to local cultural and natural landmarks, where they’re given the freedom to play and explore what interests them. Children’s families are also invited to attend city explorations, creating opportunities for them to get to know each other and build community together.
Then, children take their experiences back to the classroom, where volunteer artists help them turn their inspiration into unique art pieces they create together as a class.
Through this process of exploration and creation, children reflect on their experiences and work together to interpret them creatively. It’s a fun, engaging process that promotes cognitive development, self-expression, and collaboration.
By April, the children’s art pieces are completed and displayed at a public exhibition. The artwork also goes into a two-week online auction, and all proceeds go to the nonprofit that children chose to support at the beginning of the school year.
This part of the program brings the process full circle, giving children the chance to feel the pride of seeing their work on display and helping them connect the dots to see how their combined efforts can make a difference in their community.
This academic year’s Gracias San Antonio: Children Are Citizens exhibit goes on display on Thursday, April 16, 2026. Stay tuned to our website and social channels for more information.
