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.

FIND LIBRARY EVENTS HERE

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!

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:

1. Learn about local charitable organizations and vote for one to support
2. Explore San Antonio landmarks and connect to the world around them
3. Collaborate with local artists to create art pieces inspired by their exploration
4. Share their artwork in a public gallery and online auction which benefits their chosen nonprofit

Civic Engagement Lessons Lead to Gracias Election

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.

Children Vote to Support The Children’s Shelter

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.

City Explorations Inspire Art Collaboration

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.

Art Exhibition and Auction Benefits Chosen Charity

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.

Once a year the entire Pre-K 4 SA staff gathers in the same room for Convocation to start a new school year. The theme of this year’s Convocation was becoming. Lately, I have been thinking a lot about this idea because at Pre-K 4 SA, we have been and still are on the journey of becoming.

The Idea of Becoming 

Becoming is such a simple word, yet it carries so much weight. Becoming speaks to the idea that none of us is ever finished. We are always in the process of becoming something more, new, or different. It is a word full of movement and momentum, never content to stay the same. Becoming is the heartbeat of growth and the quiet drumbeat of transformation.  

Here are three questions to ask yourself: 

What if who you are today is not the final version of you? 

What if you are still unfolding, still stretching toward your fullest self? 

What if…we are all still becoming?

The Vision of Pre-K 4 SA 

More than a decade ago, a group of visionary leaders in San Antonio came together as part of the Brainpower Taskforce. They asked a bold question: What would it take to change the future of our city by investing in our youngest learners? They dared to imagine a city-funded, early learning initiative to provide high-quality prekindergarten and lift the quality of early education across San Antonio. 

The mission of Pre-K 4 SA has not changed. We will continue to provide high-quality early learning and build a strong educational foundation for San Antonio’s future. This was our WHY then and it still is today; yet the HOW has changed, but this is a good thing.  

At Pre-K 4 SA, we have grown, learned, and listened. This includes responding to evolving policies, studying the latest research, and supporting evolving needs of children, families, and staff. What began as four model Education Centers has blossomed into a powerful ecosystem inclusive of professional learning, community grants, and systems-level leadership. 

Our schools have grown to serve not only four-year-olds, but also three-year-olds. Our Gardendale site includes children all the way through second grade, and our new South Education Center will soon begin welcoming infants and toddlers. We have become a model of high-quality early learning that spans the entire early childhood continuum. 

Pre-K 4 SA is not what it was in 2012, and it will not be what it is today in 2032 because we are always becoming. Each of our schools, departments, and partner programs are living, breathing communities of becoming.

The Impact of Becoming 

No team stays static. Every challenge, change, and new colleague adds something new to the dynamic. When we choose to be open to learning, to listening, and to growing, we can help each other become. Working together as an organization, we become more responsive, courageous, and innovative. This leads to transformation. 

Now, becoming is not always easy because it can be uncomfortable. We are asked to stretch beyond what we know and to admit we do not have all the answers. But this is exactly what we ask of children daily. Children stumble, try again, trust, and take risks. So, we should do the same, right?

The Goal of Becoming 

For this upcoming year, I remind you that you are not finished because you are still growing and becoming. We are all still becoming. Let it guide you through the hard days and the high-fives, the meetings, the laughter, and the learning.  

Let it remind you this work we do is shaping lives, which is the most powerful becoming of all. On behalf of Pre-K 4 SA, thank you for being part of this extraordinary journey with us. 

— Sarah Baray, Ph.D.

CEO

Summer in San Antonio means sunshine and fun, but keeping young learned engaged can be a challenge. That is why we have put together a list of free and affordable summer activities for families.

Continue reading

Pre-K 4 SA’s impact extends well beyond the classroom. With a deep commitment to supporting both children and their families, Pre-K 4 SA regularly collaborates with local partners to make essential resources more accessible. As we approach the end of the year, it’s a good time to reflect on how these partnerships help bridge the gap between home and school.

H-E-B

In March, Pre-K 4 SA partnered with H-E-B and the San Antonio Food Bank to host produce giveaways at all four education centers, as well as the Gardendale Early Learning Program. These events promote healthy eating habits among young children and improve access to nutritious food.

Each participating family received a 25 lb. box containing a mix of shelf-stable groceries—such as dry and canned goods—and a bag of fresh produce during pickup times.

San Antonio Food Bank

In May, Pre-K 4 SA and the San Antonio Food Bank teamed up for a produce giveaway exclusively for families enrolled at Pre-K 4 SA and Gardendale Early Learning Program. This event was especially helpful in addressing gaps in food access when school meal programs are unavailable. Along with a bag of fresh produce and non-perishable items, families also received information about food assistance resources available in the community.

Health and Wellness

To support children’s health at the start of the school year, Pre-K 4 SA partnered with Christus Children’s to offer free immunizations and health screenings. Services included:

• Tdap vaccines for expectant mothers and families
• Minor illness checks and wellness exams
• Sports physicals
• Health and safety education
• Assistance with Medicaid and CHIP applications

Additionally, Pre-K 4 SA worked with University Health to provide vaccines ahead of the new school year and partnered with Viva Health to host a resource fair for families.

WIC

To further improve access to nutrition assistance, Pre-K 4 SA brought WIC representatives to Pre-K 4 SA centers to issue benefits, help families transfer to a convenient WIC clinic, and assist with appointment scheduling.

Car Seat Safety

 

San Antonio State Trooper lead an informative session on car seat safety for Pre-K 4 SA families and staff. The trooper shared important tips on proper installation, positioning, and guidelines for different ages and stages, helping caregivers better understand how to keep young children safe during travel.

Water Safety with Miss Tristan

Pre-K 4 SA has partnered with the Miss Tristan Foundation to offer a free, 13-week water safety program for children and their families. Developed in collaboration with Austin-based nonprofit Collins Hope, the curriculum teaches life-saving skills to help prevent childhood drowning. First piloted in 2022, the program reflects the Miss Tristan Foundation’s mission to raise awareness and save lives through water safety education.

At Pre-K 4 SA, supporting families is just as important as educating children. By bringing vital resources directly to the centers, Pre-K 4 SA ensures families have access to food, health care, and community support. These efforts reflect a strong commitment to meeting families where they are—strengthening the connection between school, home, and community.

Pre-K 4 SA’s play-based learning approach fosters creativity, independence, and critical thinking, giving children the best chance to succeed in kindergarten, grade school, and beyond.

Families who want to ensure the smoothest transition to kindergarten possible can apply to enroll their child in the Gardendale Early Learning Program. The Gardendale program, through a partnership with Edgewood ISD, offers a unique opportunity for children to continue the high-quality Pre-K 4 SA curriculum through kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade.

Touring the Gardendale Early Learning Program

Recently, families with children at Pre-K 4 SA education centers had an opportunity to tour Gardendale by taking a bus from the center they currently attend.

Families started their tour by gathering in the library, where they saw a presentation from Head of School Manuela Haberer and Assistant Principal Dawn Rose. The presentation highlighted some of the changes in routine and curriculum that take place as children progress into kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade.

The families were then introduced to a Literary Assistant who oversees the Makerspace, a section of the library where students work on STEM projects inspired by stories they read together as a class. The Maker’s Area is a creative space where children complete hands-on projects that require collaboration, critical thinking, and problem solving. At the time of the tour, children had been working on clay pots that they could then take home.

After touring the Maker’s Area, families were guided through the halls of Gardendale, where they could observe classes at various grade levels through windows in the hallways. They also got to see the four areas where children spend outside time — two traditional playgrounds and two outdoor learning environments similar to those at other education centers.

Consistency in Routine Helps the Transition to Kindergarten

Unlike the other education centers, Gardendale does not have 3-year-old students; however, they do have kindergarten, 1st- and 2nd-grade classes incorporating many of the same routines and lessons that children have grown used to throughout their time at Pre-K 4 SA.

Children who progress into kindergarten at Gardendale enjoy many of the same activities and routines that they did during their Pre-K years. As they progress into 1st and 2nd grade, there are some changes that help them prepare for the rest of their grade school years.

For example, Pre-K and kindergarteners continue to eat family-style meals, while 1st and 2nd graders eat in the cafeteria. Kindergarteners no longer have naptime, but they do have mindfulness time that helps them practice self-awareness and self-management.

Children in Pre-K and kindergarten spend an hour outside each day, while those in 1st and 2nd grade get 45 minutes of outdoor time. Gardendale also offers after-school art and dance clubs that keep students active and exercise their creativity.

All Gardendale Pre-K and kindergarten classes have two adults at all times — the teacher and an assistant. Assistants for 1st and 2nd grade are creatively scheduled so that those classes also have two adults in them as much as possible.

Families Provided with Familiar Support

Families with children at Gardendale also have much of the same support available to them as they do when their child is in pre-kindergarten. An instructional specialist, behavioral specialist, counselor, and family liaison work together with families and help provide a solid foundation for children’s success.

Families with schedules that require care beyond normal school hours can request children in pre-k and kindergarten to take part in Pre-K 4 SA’s extended day program, which extends their play-based learning until 6 p.m. Those in 1st and 2nd grade can take part in Edgewood All Stars, an after-school program that is more academically focused. Edgewood also runs a summer program that children can attend to continue learning through activities and field trips.

Currently, Pre-K 4 SA does not provide transportation for families that live outside the Edgewood district boundaries. However, if enough families with children at other education centers enroll their children, Pre-K 4 SA will provide buses from those education centers to Gardendale.

See FAQs and learn more about the Gardendale Early Learning Program.

At Pre-K 4 SA, we recognize that families are the first and most important teachers’ children have in their lives. Families are also the strongest advocates for their children, as they have the greatest insight into their unique personalities, strengths, challenges, and needs. 

When families and educators can collaborate and support each other, it opens the door to endless possibilities for children as they embark on their educational journeys. That’s why family engagement is such a vital part of the Pre-K 4 SA approach. 

The Pre-K 4 SA family engagement team works closely with our families to learn about their unique needs early in the school year, which helps to inform the type of support we provide to them throughout the year. This open communication helps to establish trust between families and educators, keeps families engaged, and encourages continued learning outside of the classroom. 

The more families are involved in their children’s education, the more they’re able to help reinforce concepts the children learn at school and the healthy habits our program helps to develop. 

2024–25 Academies Cover Communication, Power, Leadership 

One of the ways we help facilitate this collaboration is through a program called Partners in Learning Academies. These hour-long workshops are meant to break down communication barriers, enhance collaboration, and build trust between Pre-K 4 SA families and staff. They also help to foster community among Pre-K 4 SA families.  

“As a parent, participating in the Partners in Learning Academies at Pre-K 4 SA has been an invaluable experience. It has not only deepened my understanding of my child’s development but also strengthened the bond between us. Through this program, I’ve gained new tools and strategies to support my child’s learning, and it’s been wonderful to connect with other families who share the same commitment to nurturing our children’s futures. The best part of participating in Partners in Learning Academies is the piece on collaboration, respect, leadership opportunity, and understanding on the role we each play.” 

Families at each of Pre-K 4 SA’s four education centers, as well as the Gardendale Early Learning Program, had four opportunities throughout the 2024–2025 school year to participate in Partners in Learning Academies sessions. The topics covered this year were: 

• Academy 1: Communication vs. Conversation
  Participants discovered ways to build trust with one another through conversation. 

• Academy 2: Power Over vs. Power With
  Participants examined power dynamics in schools, exploring how school settings and interactions can help staff and families better collaborate. 

• Academy 3: Collective Action Issues vs. Problems
  Participants examined cultural differences and similarities, and learned how to work together to plan actions that lead to change. 

• Academy 4: Leadership Mindsets Equity
  Participants explored common mindsets, reflected on their values and beliefs, and sought to answer the question: How does my thinking impact my ability to lead? 

These academies are invaluable for all who attend them: families, teachers, heads of school, and other staff. They empower everyone involved to play an active part in creating supportive environments where children can flourish academically, emotionally, and socially.