Types: Blog

Summer Activities in San Antonio

Posted on by natasha

Looking for fun summer activities for the whole family? There are dozens of budget-friendly options around town that will keep your kids learning and playing until the fall semester begins. Be sure to visit each website below to confirm the most recent hours and pricing.

Art, History & Culture

The Alamo: Summer hours beginning in June are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Free admission. Reserve your timed ticket here. 300 Alamo Plaza, 210-225-1391, www.thealamo.org.

Briscoe Western Art Museum: Art, history, and culture of the American West. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays-Mondays. $6-$14; free (with ID) for recipients of SNAP, WIC, and MAP. 210 W. Market St., 210-299-4499, briscoemuseum.org.

Downtown Tuesdays: Enjoy free parking downtown at City-owned parking garages, lots, and parking meters. 5 p.m. Tuesdays.

Downtown Walking Tour: Meet in front of the Alamo, across the street from Visitor Information. 10 a.m. daily. Free. centrosanantonio.org.

Institute of Texan Cultures: Learn about the experiences of people from across the globe who call Texas home. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays. Admission by donation; free every second Sunday. 801 E. Cesar Chavez Blvd., 210-458-2300, texancultures.utsa.edu.                        

Japanese Tea Gardens: Educational and cultural complex features walkways, an island, and Japanese pavilion. 7 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Free. 3853 N. St. Mary’s., 210-735-4648, https://saparks.org/japanese-tea-garden.

La Villita: Historic Arts Village with galleries, dining, and shops. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 11 a.m. -4 p.m. Sundays. Free. 418 Villita St., 210-207-8614, lavillitasanantonio.com

Market Square: Historic Mexican market with restaurants, shopping, and live music. 514 W. Commerce, 210-207-8600, marketsquaresa.com. 

McNay Art Museum: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, noon-5 p.m. Sundays. $15-$20 for adults, free for children 12 and younger. 6000 N. New Braunfels, 210-824-5368, mcnayart.org.

The Pearl: Pearl is a historical district and culture hub in the center of San Antonio. Walk along the river near the Pearl Brewery and view the art, cuisine, and culture. 303 Pearl Pkwy., 210-212-7260, atpearl.com.

The River Walk: The River Walk is a public park and is free to visit. Boat rides, attractions, and other activities will have various costs. 210-227-4262, thesanantonioriverwalk.com.

San Antonio’s Historical Missions: San José, Concepción, Espada & San Juan. Open 9 a.m. daily. Free. 210-932-1001, sanantonio.gov/Mission-Trails/Mission-Trails-Historic-Sites/Missions.

San Antonio Museum of Art: Noted for collections and Latin American art. $10-$20; free for kids 12 and younger, and 4-7 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m.-noon Sundays. Online ticket purchase is recommended. 200 W. Jones, 210-978-8100, samuseum.org.

Entertainment

Art Works: Best for ages 2+. Open noon-7p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays by appointment only, 9 a.m.-noon Fridays. Walk-ins are welcome during scheduled Open Art/Open Play. $10 for the first child, $5 per additional child. Free for adults. 1840 Nacogdoches Rd, 210-826-2787, www.artworksartstudio.com.

Bouncy Places

  • Inflatable Wonderland: Ages 11 and younger only; socks and adult supervision are required. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, noon-6 p.m. Sundays. $10 for kids; adults free. Wristbands are good for all day in-and-out play. 6909 N. Loop 1604 E. #2063, 210-212-4386, inflatablewonderland.com. 
  • Pump It Up: Socks required; current activities are listed on the event calendar. Times and dates are subject to change. $8-$9 for 70-minute open jumps, $9-$10 for two hours. Call for open jump times. Two locations: 7723 Guilbeau Rd. #102, 210-523-8883 and 14036 Nacogdoches Road, 210-653-0700, www.pumpitupparty.com.

Bowling

Contact centers for summer specials.

Kiddie Park: Rides and attractions designed for ages 1-12. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays-Mondays. $3 per ride; $1 non-riders; $14 unlimited rides. 3903 N St Mary’s St., 210-734-7184 sazoo.org/kiddiepark.

Let’s Swim SA: Indoor swimming lessons for various ages. 1430 W Cesar E. Chavez, 210-207-3299. Register at anc.apm.activecommunities.com/sagov/activity.

Main Event: Bowling, laser tag, video games, and food. Hours and prices vary at two locations. 8514 TX Hwy 151, 210-521-8000 and 1911 N. Loop 1604 E, 210-305-5999. Visit mainevent.com for up-to-date specials and pricing.

Markets

  • Farmer’s Market at Mission Marquee Plaza: Vendors, cooking demos, live music, family activities, Zumba. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. every first and third Saturday through November. Free admission and parking. 3100 Roosevelt Ave., 210-207-2111, missionmarquee.com/EVENTS/Farmers-Artisan-Markets.                                                                                                                        
  • Farmer’s Market at the Pearl: Food and culinary-inspired artisan vendors. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays, rain or shine. 312 Pearl Pkwy, 210-212-7260, atpearl.com/weekend-market.

Morgan’s Wonderland: Inclusive, accessibility-focused theme park and water park. Hours vary. $13-$19, free for children ages 2 and younger, and guests with special needs. 5223 David Edwards Dr., 210-495-5888, morganswonderland.com.

Movies

  • Cinemark: Summer Movie Club is June 15-Aug. 3 with showtimes 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays. $1.50. Two locations: 5063 NW Loop 410, 210-522-9660 and 4224 S. New Braunfels, Suite #601, 210-532-4459, cinemark.com/series-events-info-pages/summer-movie-clubhouse.                              
  • Santikos Theaters: Eight-week summer movie series begins June 6. Shows are 10 a.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays at seven locations: Mayan Palace, Palladium, Casa Blanca, Westlakes, Embassy, Northwest, and Cibolo. Free. santikos.com/freesummermovies. Super Tuesdays with $4.99 tickets and concessions all day are available at Cibolo, Casa Blanca, Westlakes, and New Braunfels locations. 
  • Regal Theaters: “Summer Movie Express” series begins in June. Shows are 10 a.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays at Huebner Oaks, Northwoods, Cielo Vista, Alamo Quarry, and Live Oak locations. $1. regmovies.com/static/en/us/smx.  
  • Movies in the Park at Tower of the Americas: Free family-friendly movie outdoors at the base of the Tower. Bring chairs and blankets. See showtimes and dates at toweroftheamericas.com/event/movie-in-the-park.
  • Outdoor Family Film Series at Mission Marquee Plaza: Free family-friendly evening with entertainment, food trucks, and a featured film on the original jumbo screen. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks. Screenings begin shortly after dusk; titles are subject to change. missionmarquee.com/EVENTS/Outdoor-Family-Film-Series.   
  • Slab Cinema: Movies by the Moonlight at Travis Park, a free family- and pet-friendly event with an outdoor movie, food trucks, and kids’ activities. 7 p.m. Bring chairs, blankets, and picnics. Find the complete schedule at slabcinema.com/free-outdoor-films/travis-park.

San Antonio Aquarium: Aquatic life, bouncy house, food, and activities. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays. $17.95-$22.95; free for children younger than 2, foster children, and educators. 6320 Bandera Rd, 210-310-3210, sanantonioaquarium.net.

San Antonio DoSeum: Unique and interactive exhibits for children. Hours vary. $14; free family nights every first Monday, first-come first-serve. 2800 Broadway, 210-212-4453, thedoseum.org.

San Antonio Fire Museum: Exhibits, artifacts, and photos that preserve the history of the San Antonio Fire Department. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. $2-$5; free for children younger than 3, military and SAFD (in uniform), and every first Tuesday from noon-4 p.m. 801 E. Houston, 210-390-7236, sanantoniofiremuseum.org. 

San Antonio Missions Baseball: Specials vary; Dollar Nights, $2 Tuesdays, Science Nights, Math Nights, post-game fireworks, and giveaways. 5757 US Hwy 90, 210-675-7275, milb.com/san-antonio.       

San Antonio Zoo: Open 9 a.m. daily. $27.99-$31.99; free for children ages 2 and younger. Admission is $8 on Local Days – June 21, July 29, Aug. 12, Sept. 4. 3903 N. St. Mary’s, 210-734-7184, sazoo.org.

Scobee Planetarium: Doors open at 6 p.m. Friday nights; shows are at 6:30 p.m. (all ages), 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. (ages 6 and up). $4-$5. 1300 San Pedro Ave., 210-486-0100, www.alamo.edu/sac/about-sac/college-offices/scobee-education-center/scobee-planetarium.

Skating Rinks

Hours and prices vary by location.

Swimming Pools (City of San Antonio): Hours vary by location; outdoor pool pre-season begins May 21. Free admission. 210-207-3299 for updates, https://www.sanantonio.gov/ParksAndRec/Programs-Classes-Fun/Fun-On-Your-Own/Swimming-Aquatics 

Texas Transportation Museum: Artifacts and information regarding San Antonio’s transportation history. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. $8-$10; free for children ages 3 and younger. 11731 Wetmore Rd., 210-490-3554, txtransportationmuseum.org.

Traders Village: A swap meet, treasure hunt, shopping complex, county fair, and festival attraction all rolled into one. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. $5 parking; $11.99 all-day rides wristband, $2.99 single ticket. 9333 SW Loop 410, 210-623-8383, tradersvillage.com/san-antonio/events. 

Trampoline Parks 

Kid-friendly trampoline park bounces. Hours and prices vary. Check websites for up-to-date info.

  • Airtopia Adventure Park: 16628 San Pedro Ave, 210-626-8056, airtopiapark.com.
  • Flipz Trampoline Park: 910 SE Military Dr., 210-529-7751, flipzfamilyfun.com.
  • Urban Air Trampoline Park: 8600 Fourwinds Dr., 210-446-1238; 618 NW Loop 410, 210-245-4320; 165 SW Military Dr., 210-526-0033; 11791 Bandera, 210-485-1711; urbanairtrampolinepark.com.
  • Ground Control Park: 9870 Marbach Rd, 210-783-7200, groundcontrolpark.com.

Witte Museum: Permanent exhibits include dinosaur skeletons and cave drawings.10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays-Saturdays; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays; noon-5 p.m. Sundays. $10-$14; free for children ages 3 and younger, and for everyone on Tuesdays from 3-6 p.m. 3801 Broadway, 210-357-1900, wittemuseum.org.

YMCA: Variety of summer activities, including free family events, bingo nights, movie nights, and swimming. Hours and events vary by location. Ymcasatx.org.

Nature

Brackenridge Park: Playground and trails are perfect for picnics and walks. 5 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. Free. 3700 N. St. Mary’s St., 210-826-1412, brackenridgepark.org.

Cibolo Nature Center: Outdoor space, events, and programs designed for families. 8 a.m.-dusk daily. Free. 140 City Park Rd., Boerne, 830-249-4616, cibolo.org/locations/cibolo-nature-center. 

Fitness in the Park: Year-round exercise program in parks and facilities throughout the City. Free. apm.activecommunities.com.

Mitchell Lake Audubon Center: Connecting people with nature. 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays-Sundays. $3-$5; free for children ages 5 and younger. 10750 Pleasanton Rd., 210-628-1639, mitchelllake.audubon.org.

San Antonio Botanical Garden: Thirty-three-acre non-profit botanical garden with trails, activities, and a learning center. Open daily at 8 a.m. $13-$16; free for ages 2 and younger. 555 Funston Place, 210-536-1400, sabot.org. 

San Antonio Parks

Picnic areas, trails, playgrounds, and more. Free. sanantonio.gov/ParksAndRec/Parks-Facilities

  • Dog Parks: 5 a.m.-11 p.m. daily
    • Madison Square Park – 400 Lexington
    • McAllister Park – 13102 Jones-Maltsberger
    • Panther Springs Park – 22635 Wilderness Oak
    • Pearsall Park – 4700 Old Pearsall Road
    • Phil Hardberger Park (East Entrance) – 13203 Blanco Road
    • Phil Hardberger Park (West Entrance) – 8400 NW Military Dr.
    • Tom Slick Park – 7400 Highway 151
  • Skate Parks: 5 a.m.-11 p.m. daily (not all have lighting available)
    • Bellaire Park – 733 Ansley Road
    • Cuellar Park – 5626 San Fernando
    • Falcone Park – 7625 Mystic Park
    • Lackland Terrace Park – 7902 Westshire
    • Lady Bird Johnson Park – 10700 Nacogdoches Road
    • Martinez Park – 201 Merida
    • Medina Base Road Park – 6303 Medina Base Road
    • Normoyle Park – 700 Culberson
    • Palo Alto Park – 1625 Palo Alto Road
    • Perez Park – 8601 Timber Path
    • Rosedale Park – 303 Dartmouth
    • San Pedro Springs Park – 1315 San Pedro Avenue
    • Spring Time Park – 6571 Spring Time
  • Splash Pads: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily  
    • Benavides Park – 1500 Saltillo St
    • Elmendorf Lake Park – 3700 W Commerce St.
    • Hemisfair Park – 600 Hemisfair Plaza Way
    • Lincoln Park – 2915 E. Commerce St.
    • Pearsall Park – 5102 Old Pearsall Road
    • The Park at Pearl – 312 Pearl Pkwy.

Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair Park: Four acres of play areas, a splash pad, virtual story time, and live music. Open daily at 7 a.m. Free. 434 S. Alamo St., 210-709-4750, hemisfair.org/visit. 

Online 

Check out these websites for guides, resources, activities, and family-friendly events.

Pre-K 4 SA

We will be participating in or hosting events throughout summer! Check prek4sa.com/events/category/family for the latest calendar updates.

Storytime

Barnes & Noble: Enjoy “Saturday Storytime” read-alongs, plus free activities for all ages. Visit stores.barnesandnoble.com for details and locations.

Miss Anastasia’s Wild and Wacky Story Time: 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. every Friday. Free. Located at The Twig Book Shop, 306 Pearl Parkway, Suite 106, 210-826-6411, thetwig.com/event.

San Antonio Public Library: Summer with SAPL programming is June 1-July 31. Hours vary by location. Free. 210-207-2500, mysapl.org.

4 Ways to Learn During Summer Break

Posted on by natasha

Summer is right around the corner, and with it comes the potential for children to experience summer learning loss (SLL), aka the “summer slide” — when students are not in school over the break and could forget some of the knowledge and skills they gained during the previous school year. 

One educational study found SLL can be  anywhere from 17-34%. This can lead children to experience academic setbacks and challenges heading to the next grade. 

Don’t worry; you can stop the slide! Helping your child find and engage in academic activities throughout the summer is an excellent way to set them up for success when they enter their new classroom after the break. Here are four ways your child can avoid losing last year’s progress.

 

1. Read Every Day

Literacy is the foundation for your child’s success, affecting all areas of their development. Make sure your child is engaging in reading activities over the summer. Reading with your child and discussing what happened in the story is an excellent endeavor to keep their brain engaged. 

Our Family Education Specialist, Jessica Cooper, emphasized the importance of reading. “Reading is fundamental for children to grow academically. Discussing the stories you read with your child and asking open-ended questions can expand your child’s vocabulary, comprehension, and social/ emotional learning while preparing them for the next grade.” 

Pre-K 4 SA Tip:
The H-E-Buddy Summer Reading Club incentivizes children to read over the summer. They will be rewarded by reading ten books, recording them on a reading log, and having an adult initial the log next to each completed book. For more information about this program, visit the H-E-Buddy Summer Reading Club to see how your family can participate!

 

2. Visit Museums

San Antonio is home to various world-class museums that provide many educational opportunities for children. The DoSeum is a Pre-K 4 SA favorite because they believe in the power of play and hands-on learning, both core components of our HighScope curriculum. 

Created with children in mind,he DoSeum has exhibits focused on STEM, the arts, and literacy, and is a one-stop shop to get your child excited about learning. 

They offer a discounted admission price of $3 for families participating in SNAP, WIC, and/or Pandemic-EBT. The first Monday of every month is free to all audiences after general operating hours. Find a complete list of all discounts here and plan your visit today.

 

3. Try a Math App

Math skills are particularly vulnerable during the summer months, and children need daily practice to maintain proficiency in a difficult subject. Bedtime Math is a free education app from the University of Chicago, available on both Apple and Android devices, that provides daily practice problems — combining literacy and math for an engaging activity. 

In the app, a new problem is released daily and provides a short story followed by a math question. There are levels for ages 3-9, providing different options depending on age and skill level. It is a quick, easy way to get practice every day in both math and reading. If one problem a day isn’t enough, don’t worry! An archive of every problem can be explored  by topic, so you can find the subject that grabs your child’s attention and will have them asking for more. 

Explore all this app offers by visiting their website and start incorporating this fun learning activity into your child’s routine!

 

4. Go Outside 

Outdoor learning is an essential component of the research-based curriculum at Pre-K 4 SA. Children greatly benefit from increased time outside.

“Children spend a lot of time in Outdoor Learning Environments (OLEs) as a part of their daily schedule. Continuing this outdoor learning time over the summer helps children develop an appreciation for nature and create a sense of wonder about the world around them,” said Jessica. 

OLEs help their academic performance, and research shows it also positively affects their mental and social health. While the Texas summer heat can be a challenge, the City of San Antonio has a free and fun solution — the Parks and Recreation Department has splash pads located at various parks around the city that help your child keep cool, keep having fun, and keep learning.

While playing at a splash pad, young children  develop social and emotional skills through impromptu games with others. They can identify cause and effect, with different-sized instruments taking longer to fill and spill. They  can also improve motor skills, avoiding streams and dodging  water sprays. Math abilities even come into play when children count to calculate the timing of water shooting out of the various devices. Visit the City of San Antonio’s Parks and Recreation Department to find a splash pad near you!

Continued learning over the summer break is critical for your child’s success in the upcoming school year. Preventing a regression in academic and social skills sets your scholar up for success when they enter school on the first day. Enjoy a stellar summer, and be sure to incorporate learning into your child’s daily schedule! 

Pre-K 4 SA Fiesta Medal + Coloring Pages!

Posted on by natasha

Happy Fiesta from Pre-K 4 SA! This year’s Fiesta San Antonio medal is particularly special to us because it showcases our newest addition to the Pre-K 4 SA family: 3-year-olds! Our 2023 Fiesta Medal is available for sale for $5 at any of our four education centers including Gardendale Early Learning Program, and proceeds go to the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas, our 2023 Gracias San Antonio: Children are Citizens beneficiary.

Enjoy these coloring pages inspired by the 2023 design.

 

City Explorations Fuel Gracias Art Projects

Posted on by natasha

Exploring Equals Education

Creativity can be sparked anywhere. Getting outside of your typical surroundings opens your mind to new and exciting possibilities. You experience unfamiliar things and expand your horizons, allowing you to go beyond what you thought your capabilities were. Pre-K 4 SA’s City Explorations were created to give our children the opportunity to explore new things and see all that the City of San Antonio has to offer. 

Explorations are trips to different parts of San Antonio that display the culture and diversity that makes it the unique and vibrant place that it is. They differ from the typical field trip format. Instead of being highly structured with a set itinerary, these trips are led by the children. They explore the chosen site and go where their curiosity leads them. It is an extension of how classroom instruction is implemented, where the children drive their own learning. This organic format is beneficial and allows them to find the things that interest them instead of being told exactly what they should be focusing on. 

Explorations Expand Family Engagement 

Pre-K 4 SA believes that family engagement is one of the key elements to supporting the whole child. We know that learning does not end when children walk out of our centers and that parent and guardian involvement translates to increased academic success for the child. Families attend these events with their children, giving them the chance to see their child’s educational opportunities outside of the classroom. The trips take place after school hours, giving our parents that work full time the chance to participate in the explorations. Parents can also meet and build relationships with their child’s classmate’s parents, strengthening the Pre-K 4 SA community. 

Fall Explorations

Each year, teachers at all centers prepare a proposal for two explorations, one in the fall and another in the spring. Fall explorations intend to inspire art projects that the children create for Gracias San Antonio: Children Are Citizens. 

Gracias San Antonio is a six-month project where children have the opportunity to vote for a nonprofit, explore the best of San Antonio’s landmarks, and bring their inspirations to life through art right in their classrooms. All classes then create a unique piece of art that is auctioned off in the spring, with the proceeds going to the non-profit that the children selected. This goal of Gracias is to give the children firsthand experience with civic engagement while giving them the opportunity to explore and connect with their city.

“Our city exploration was to the Landa Library. Some of the children noticed the detailed patterns of the tiles on the library’s staircase, and we used that as a springboard for our Gracias project. The students created wall art using different colored mosaic tiles,” said Mark Martinez, a Master Teacher at the West Education Center. 

The Japanese Tea Garden, Elmendorf Lake Park, and the Good New Church Pumpkin Patch are a few of the sites that were visited this fall by our classes. The sites chosen are open to the public and free for our families to visit. “City Explorations are unique because teachers and our families are able to share that outing experience together, enjoy the great parks San Antonio has for our community, and then families can go back as often as they wish because they are free public areas,” said Manuela Haberer, Head of School at Gardendale. 

City Explorations encapsulate what Pre-K 4 SA is all about. Child-led educational experiences that encourage family involvement. Explorations put the children in the driver’s seat and gives them ownership over their learning experience, all while giving parents an expanded Rolodex of no-cost, family-friendly activities. 

Pre-K 4 SA and H-E-B Read 3 Encourage Reading as a Family

Posted on by natasha

Studies have shown that reading to young children helps stimulate their brain development, language and literacy skills, as well as social and emotional growth—all essential for success in school and life. 

By making reading a habit starting at a young age, children can develop a lifelong love for books and learning. And reading together gives families a chance to spend some quality time as a unit amid their busy individual schedules. 

Pre-K 4 SA is proud to partner with H-E-B Read 3 to make it easier for parents and caregivers to make reading a part of their daily routine.

The H-E-B Read 3 program promotes literacy and nutritious eating habits by encouraging parents and caregivers to read to their children at least three times a week and learn how to prepare healthy food at home. 

During the program:

  • Families receive free books, cooking tips, and healthy snacks on a weekly basis at Pre-K 4 SA centers
  • UTSA early childhood undergraduate students and Pre-K staff lead weekly literacy activities and lessons to children and adults
  • Participants receive a backpack with supplies and an H-E-B gift card upon program completion 

Read 3: Making a Decade of Difference

Since H-E-B launched the program in 2011, the initiative has supported early childhood literacy efforts, which have provided more than 5.5 million books to children and families across the state. 

Read 3 is one of many programs H-E-B champions to support public education in Texas. The company launched the program to promote good reading habits at home, encouraging parents to read to their children at least three times each week. Along with various activations, the Read 3 program has children-focused activities, at-home literacy lessons, summer reading club, and book lists available on its website for parents to reference. 

Through the Read 3 program, H-E-B has held more than 5,000 hours of story time at stores and schools and donated more than $750,000 in sponsorships and programming to schools, libraries, and educational nonprofits.

CHEF Brings Healthy Habits to Pre-K 4 SA

Posted on by natasha

Obesity in America’s children is increasing, with more than 1 in 5 American kids classified as obese. This can cause serious health problems and lifelong issues if not combated early on. Some common causes of childhood obesity are the nutritional quality of the food eaten and eating patterns and behaviors. With these causes in mind, the CHEF program was born. 

Created in 2017, CHEF holds the core belief that food is medicine. The program aims to teach children and families the basics of nutrition and simple, healthy cooking habits that are easy to implement in their busy schedules. Giving families the tools to incorporate healthy habits into their daily meals empowers them to live happier, healthier lives.   

CHEF in the Classroom

Pre-K 4 SA is deeply committed to promoting the health and well-being of our children and families. One of the programs we’re particularly proud to offer is CHEF, which is fully aligned with our goals and the principles of our HighScope curriculum.

We’re excited to say that CHEF brings a range of benefits to our classrooms, particularly in terms of active learning. Their approach incorporates all five key ingredients of active learning: hands-on materials, choice, manipulation, scaffolding, and individualized feedback. This means that children are constantly engaged, developing important skills and receiving tailored guidance as they learn.

The curriculum is designed to be completely hands-on and encourages active learning from start to finish. Children have the opportunity to develop their fine motor skills and follow instructions to create a delicious final product. At the same time, teachers provide feedback and ask open-ended questions that challenge children to think critically about what they’re doing.

Since launching a pilot program in 2019, we’ve been thrilled to see our children’s tremendous enthusiasm and engagement. As a result, the program was expanded and every month a CHEF lesson is taught in all classrooms at each educational center and Gardendale. 

Expanding access to CHEF

Pre-K 4 SA strives to provide our students with the best possible educational experiences. That’s why we’re proud to have adapted CHEF lessons initially designed for older children to suit the needs of our 3- and 4-year-olds. We use child-friendly utensils that are age-appropriate and safe, and our recipes don’t require the use of an oven or stovetop.

Our recipe cards are particularly exciting for young children, as they utilize pictures, words and numbers to provide developmentally stimulating step-by-step instructions. Plus, we don’t just offer these experiences during class time – parents are invited to participate in CHEF After Hours events at each of our Education Centers and Gardendale. These events allow families to experience CHEF together and provide opportunities to learn new skills and techniques that can be used at home.

We’re thrilled to see CHEF’s positive impact on our families. As one parent at Gardendale noted, “I was able to try new things with my son and bring the things I learned home to let him help me in the kitchen. Using CHEF’s tips and tricks made me feel much more comfortable having him help me cook.” 

We’ve even expanded access to CHEF through our grants program, allowing partners to bring CHEF lessons to their campuses. Julie Taylor, our CHEF Professional Learning Specialist, works closely with partners at every step to ensure a hands-on and immersive professional development experience that equips educators to bring CHEF into their classrooms.

Thanks to these efforts, CHEF is now taught in 195 schools and has reached an impressive 64,000 students, with half a million lessons taught in San Antonio. We’re excited to continue expanding access to this valuable program and seeing its positive impact on our students and families.

CHEF Transforming Nutrition

CHEF brings practical and affordable nutrition solutions to families throughout San Antonio. CHEF is an educational tool that shows how certain ingredients interact to increase nutritional value, learn portion control and provides vital information on how to transform weekly meals. The best part about CHEF is the children love it! “Hands down, my favorite part about CHEF is modeling lessons and interacting in the classroom. I love seeing children learn skills to prepare their own food and their excitement to cut, measure, and even read a recipe all on their own.  Most people can’t believe that young children are tasting raw bell peppers, lettuce, green onions, and many other ingredients they may not be exposed to if it weren’t for CHEF.  Even if they don’t enjoy the recipe, I can always get them to try something, and they are always engaged because they do everything themselves,” said Julie. 

CHEF is changing how San Antonio is dieting and creating a lasting impact that will make our city healthier. To learn more about the CHEF, visit their website and see how your family can benefit from this incredible program.

 

 

 

Workforce Wednesdays at Pre-K 4 SA

Posted on by natasha

Ready to Work and Pre-K 4 SA are both education initiatives spearheaded by the City of San Antonio to address the current and future need for a strong and thriving workforce.  They are both intended to create affordable education opportunities aimed at supporting our City’s underserved communities.  Both initiatives share a common long-term goal, and were voted into existence by citizens.

As part of Pre-K 4 SA’s family engagement, Ready to Work will be onsite throughout the school year to assist parents in registering, checking application status and answering any questions.

Check out a few of the most commonly asked questions below. 

What industries are you currently working with?

Ready to Work follows the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Talent Pipeline Management approach to engage employers efficiently and effectively. The program is supporting the following San Antonio industries to build a bridge to success for participants and businesses alike:  

  • Aerospace / Architecture / Construction / Manufacturing / Utilities  
  • Education / Professional Services / Other  
  • Finance / Insurance  
  • Healthcare  
  • Information Technology / Cybersecurity  
  • Transportation / Warehousing / Logistics  

Trade careers that support the hospitality industry are also included. 

What does a typical day at the program look like?

There is no “typical day” at Ready to Work as participants are enrolled in various education, certificate and degree programs within different educational institutions.  Some enrollees will participate in classroom education, while others will be immersed in a variety of hands-on skills training and/or internships/apprenticeships, depending upon their selected career field.   

How does the program connect me to job openings?

Ready to Work will help participants find well-paid jobs in high-demand careers through approved training courses aligned with targeted industries and occupations in the local market. Participants who enroll and complete training could be placed in a job as early as a few months. 

Additionally, Ready to Work is authentically employer-led. Local employers have committed to hiring participants and informing local training providers of critical skills needed to meet today’s and tomorrow’s market conditions. 

Do I have to go through the program to use the services/benefits offered?

Yes. Ready to Work removes financial, mental, and social barriers for adults committed to the Ready to Work program receive support services to navigate challenges and overcome barriers, including:  

  • tuition assistance (up to a cap per participant);  
  • short-term emergency funding (up to a cap per participant): For urgent assistance with childcare, transportation, housing, food, clothing, etc.; and  
  • services to overcome obstacles:  
  • benefit navigation services;  
  • professional career coaching;  
  • financial counseling;  
  • resume development;  
  • professional networking;  
  • interview preparation;  
  • job placement services; and  
  • job retention assistance 

Through collaboration with community-based organizations, Ready to Work case managers will also provide participants with referrals for: 

  • alcohol/substance use;  
  • domestic violence;  
  • human trafficking;  
  • legal assistance;  
  • long-term assistance;  
  • healthcare/disabilities;  
  • basic computer skills;  
  • English as a second language; and 
  • entrepreneur assistance

What are the requirements/commitments?  

To be eligible for Ready to Work, applicants must meet the following criteria:  

  • At least 18 years old;  
  • Permitted to work in the United States;  
  • Resident of San Antonio;  
  • Willing to take assessments related to workforce readiness; and  
  • Household income may not exceed 250% of federal poverty guidelines, which are periodically updated. For example, as of January 2023:  
    • An individual living alone with current income less than $36,450 would qualify for Ready to Work;   
    • A head of household of four with current income less than $75,000 would qualify for Ready to Work. 

How can I register? 

Registration is easy. Simply call 3-1-1 and ask for Ready to Work, visit readytoworksa.com, or go in person to Alamo Colleges District, Project Quest, Restore Education, or Workforce Solutions Alamo. 

Give Kudos Where Kudos is Due

Posted on by natasha

Give Kudos Where Kudos is Due

Pre-K 4 SA always wants to recognize our team’s success, achievements and efforts. We wanted to create a space for the team to give kudos to someone they believe is going above and beyond, exemplifying Pre-K 4 SA’s values and commitment to excellence. Check out these Kudos from January:

 

Kristy Herrera, Assistant Director of Professional Learning

“Kristy deserves kudos because she works tirelessly to make sure all the programs have her support! She makes herself available at all hours of the day, and is dedicated to her team. She helps people problem-solve and feel confident in their work. She’s a great leader!”

 

Brittany McCabe, Professional Learning Specialist

“Brittany deserves kudos because she is new to the team and jumped in right away, wanting to help and be part of the action! She’s volunteered to help fellow teammates and steps up to get things done.”

 

Cashelle Johnson, Head of Schools North Education Center 

“Cashelle deserves kudos because she represents the best we have to offer in the form of positive leadership, thoughtful relations, informed direction and providing full value to the students, families, and staff at Pre-K4SA because she operates from a place of fullness as evidenced by her positive interactions and wise decision making with everyone who comes in contact with her. She brings a sense of calm, wisdom, and positivity in each encounter. Education across our city would be transformed if there were more school leaders like Cashelle.” 

 

Testimonials

 

Tomeka Kuykendall, Parent Liaison-North Education Center

“A highlight of this school year so far has been our annual Celebration of Lights event that took place in December. This was the first year the North center did a “walk-through” event and it was such a success. We received over 100 culturally diverse posters that families created at home. Families created paintings, drawings, and creative displays of their families’ different traditions and cultural celebrations. Our family volunteers worked hard at creating colorful light displays throughout our outdoor play area. For me, it was wonderful to see our team and school community come together and create a memorable event for the families.

Morning arrival is my favorite part of my daily routine. Greeting the children and parents every morning with a “Good morning!” or “I’m happy to see you!” is a wonderful start to my day. I believe morning arrival is a great way to get to know the children and interact with families, and a familiar face makes the parent and child feel welcome and safe. 

I’m looking forward to families coming into the classrooms for Demonstration of Learning. It’s great to see the parents’ faces as they are presented with examples of what their child has learned this school year.”

 

If you would like to give kudos to a Head of School, teacher or staff member, please fill out this form for a chance to be featured in next month’s recap! Submissions are open to both staff and families.

Pre-K 4 SA: Enrollment for Ages 3 and 4

Posted on by natasha

It’s time to start making your enrollment plan for Pre-K 4 SA! Because we are now open to 3- and 4-year-olds, applications are submitted quickly, so please mark your calendars to secure a spot. Enrollment applications will open to the public on February 1, 2023. Applications are numbered as they are submitted and enrollment is on a first-come first-serve basis. Accepted applicants will be notified by email beginning Monday, February 6. Notifications will continue each Monday as space is available at each center. Enrollment at the education centers is limited and there may be a waiting list. Pre-K 4 SA will provide assistance to families who may need help finding other high-quality pre-kindergarten options if there are not enough seats at a Pre-K 4 SA center.

Why Pre-K 4 SA?

Pre-K 4 SA’s program is designed to utilize a child’s natural acts of play to build a foundation in concepts such as math, science, language and art while increasing language and social skills. Through strategically-designed play, Pre-K 4 SA builds the foundation for a love of learning that extends beyond the preschool years.

Pre-K 4 SA makes the application process easy with four simple steps: 

  • Step 1: Parents complete an online application (via phone, online, in-person) to request a Center preference and confirm eligibility.
  • Step 2: Accepted applicants will be notified by email beginning the 1st Monday in February. Notifications will continue each Monday as space is available at each Center.
  • Step 3: Upon notification, you will be asked to begin your online registration in the Pre-K 4 SA Parent Portal. All necessary documentation will be submitted online for review.
  • Step 4: Once all necessary paperwork has been processed, your child will officially be registered to attend Pre-K 4 SA.

FAQs

Can my three-year-old attend Pre-K 4 SA?

  • Yes! Your child just needs to turn 3 or 4 years old by September 1, 2023.

Which schools participate in Pre-K 4 SA?

  • East Central ISD, Edgewood ISD, Essence Prep, Harlandale ISD, North East ISD, Northside ISD, San Antonio ISD, South San Antonio ISD, and Southwest ISD are participating districts. If you reside in one of these school districts, you could be eligible to attend any Pre-K 4 SA Education Center for free. 
  • Families living in non-participating school districts are not eligible to attend Pre-K 4 SA for free.

If I live in a non-participating school district, can I still go to Pre-K 4 SA?

  • Any child living within the city limits of San Antonio or Extra Territorial Jurisdiction can attend Pre-K 4 SA. However, all students from non-participating school districts must pay tuition to participate in the program (even if they meet the eligibility requirements for free Pre-K).

Can I apply online?

  • Yes. You can start your contactless application on February 1 or over the phone at 210-206-PREK (7735).

 

Have more questions about enrollment? Visit our FAQ page for more information.

Together We Can Be The Dream

Posted on by natasha

Pre-K 4 SA attended the annual MLK March on the Eastside of San Antonio to honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. Pre-K 4 SA children, families and staff marched alongside city officials, sports teams, community organizations, other schools, city departments, businesses, and nonprofits.

Marching is an opportunity to connect with the community, show unity within San Antonio, voice our support, and to show children that even at a young age, they are empowered to be the dream. At the conclusion of the march, Pre-K 4 SA set up a booth to meet and connect with the community and share information about the program.

MLK 2023

“The time is always ripe to do what is right”

“Letter from a Birmingham Jail” (1963)