Beyond the Classroom: How Pre-K 4 SA Helped Me Grow as an Educator, Mother, and Leader

Educators gather at a table
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.

Reflecting on a Year of Growth, Joy, and Community at Pre-K 4 SA

Dr. Sara Baray speaks at a podium

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.

Starting a New Chapter in Early Learning

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.

Rockstar and Sara Baray at the new Pre-K 4 SA South Center

Driving Exceptional Outcomes Across the Board

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.

Supporting Families Beyond the Classroom

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.

Building Community With Every Gathering

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.

Looking Ahead to Another Year of Possibilities

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.

Celebration and Connection at the 7th Annual Pre-K 4 SA Family Reunion

a family poses for a photo in front of a blue pre k 4 sa door

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. 

joyous families ride a train
educators pose joyously for a photo
a parent and child play an activity
mascots dance outside at the 7th Annual Pre-K 4 SA Family Reunion 

 

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.

 

Children dancing at the Pre-K 4 SA 7th Annual Family Reunion event.

 

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.