Get involved in your child’s care
Did you know that 80% of brain development happens before age 4? It’s really important to stay involved with your child’s care during this time. By staying involved, you help your child get the best care possible, which matters a lot!
Remember this when thinking about your role: It’s as simple as ABC!
Ask questions
Ask your child’s teacher how your child is doing, what's going on in the classroom, and how the school makes sure your child is safe. Also ask other parents about their experience in the program or school.
Be there
Drop in to the program during the day or for lunch. If you can, drop your child off a little early to chat with your child's teacher. If you have time, offer to volunteer for nap time, reading time, paperwork, or other tasks.
Create improvements
Think of solutions to problems. If the classroom doesn't have supplies it needs, talk to other parents about helping. Offer to help if the school isn't working toward an improvement goal.
Public prekindergarten (pre-k) and partnerships
Public pre-K helps children get ready for kindergarten by building early skills in talking, playing, thinking, and learning. Contact your local school district to find a public pre-k program near you. Find your local school district on the Texas Education Agency website.
There are also pre-K partnerships. This is when schools team up with high-quality childcare programs to help teach and care for children. These programs use learning plans, offer longer hours for working parents, and help kids move more easily into kindergarten. This helps your child get ready for school and keeps their care and learning on track. Learn more about pre-k partnerships on the Texas Education Agency website.
Attending high quality pre-k makes a BIG difference for small children. Want to learn more?
Positive behavior support
Positive behavior support means using kind and clear ways to guide your child and help them when they struggle. You play an important role in helping your child learn and grow. Here are some ways you can make a positive difference:
- help your child feel good about school
- teach your child why it’s important to follow rules at home, school and in the community
- volunteer in school activities when you can
- help your child learn and practice good behavior at home and in other places
- if your child is in a special program at school, take part in the teaching and support
- celebrate your child’s successes and progress
Behavior support resources
Find helpful tools and guidance to support your child’s behavior, build positive routines, and manage challenges in healthy ways.
Information on challenging behaviors and preventing expulsions and suspensions.
Tips and resources on understanding why challenging behaviors in children happen.
Learning and development resources
Families play a big role in a child’s learning and growth. Being involved helps children build confidence, develop skills, and feel supported at home and at school.
Information to support your child’s growth, learning, and development throughout their childhood.
Support learning through play. Daily play helps kids stay active, use their imagination, and learn important skills.
Explore resources about child development milestones, nutrition, health tips, and healthcare resources.
Learning activities and education materials organized by age group that you can do at home with your child.
We want you to find the best child care fit for your family! Did you know you can filter your search by curriculum? This is just one of the options available to help you find the care that works for your family!
More helpful links for families
We've got some helpful documents on learning and development on our resources webpage.