SAN ANTONIO — As her young son Atreus returned home from preschool with a bright smile, Sandra Mosqueda felt a mixture of joy and hope. Atreus is part of the inaugural class benefiting from San Antonio's Pre-K 4 SA program, which offers free preschool education for infants and toddlers.
This initiative is significant for many families in the city, especially for those from low-income backgrounds. Mosqueda, who has seen the impact of preschool on her two older sons’ academic success, didn’t have similar opportunities as a child herself.
Research underscores the importance of early childhood education, indicating that the first five years of a child's life are crucial for their development and preparedness for kindergarten. However, new findings reveal significant disparities across income levels regarding kindergarten readiness.
While nearly two-thirds of children nationally are reported to be on track for kindergarten readiness, the gap between the poorest and wealthiest families is approximately 20%. This stark difference highlights a pressing need for accessible early education.
The Pre-K 4 SA program aims to address this issue directly by providing 2,000 preschool seats primarily for 3- and 4-year-olds, with 80% of those spots available for free to families who qualify. Launched in 2013, the program was initially designed to assist low-income and working-class families amid rising child care costs.
Teachers emphasize a holistic approach, equipping children not only with academic skills but also essential social-emotional learning. By fostering a nurturing environment, educators like Deziree Arce help children develop necessary life skills while preparing them for academic challenges.
Despite its success, the program faces challenges in demand, with over 1,600 families currently on its waitlist. To combat this, Pre-K 4 SA has a dedicated enrollment team that assists families in finding alternative educational options.
Meanwhile, the initiative is a testament to the benefits of high-quality early learning, as children who attend Pre-K 4 SA often surpass state averages in fourth-grade assessments. The program's impact has prompted even families who could afford private education to seek spots within its classrooms.
This burgeoning program not only enhances educational outcomes but also offers services that support families, such as transportation, wellness clinics, and parenting resources. Such layers of support are crucial in mitigating the challenges faced by low-income families.
In Mosqueda's experience, the accessibility of preschool education has enabled her to pursue further studies and career opportunities, demonstrating the positive ripple effects of programs like Pre-K 4 SA. With educational support paving the way for future success, families in San Antonio are hopeful about their children's brighter academic future.
