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  • Success in Elementary School »

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  • What’s happening at this age?

    Learn More

    According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the time between the ages of 6 and 8 mark your child transition into “middle childhood”. Your child should begin to feel more confident in being able to meet life’s challenges. This sense of personal power continues to develop from having successful experiences solving problems independently, being creative and seeing results from their effort.

    Developmental milestones are things that most children can do at these ages. These are the middle childhood milestones according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    Social and Emotional

    • Show more independence from parents and family.
    • Start to think about the future.
    • Understand more about his or her place in the world.
    • Pay more attention to friendships and teamwork.
    • Want to be liked and accepted by friends.

    Thinking & Learning

    • Show rapid development of mental skills.
    • Learn better ways to describe experiences and talk about thoughts and feelings.
    • Have less focus on one’s self and more concern for others.
    DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES:
    Middle Childhood (6-8 years): English

    Positive Parenting Tips

    • Show affection for your child.
    • Help your child develop a sense of responsibility
    • Talk with your child about their lives
    • Encourage your child to be respectful and to help people in need.
    • Help your child set her own achievable goals
    • Help your child learn patience by letting others go first or by finishing a task before going out to play
    • Make clear rules and stick to them
    • Do fun things together as a family

    Child Safety First

    • More physical ability and more independence can put children at risk for injuries from falls and other accidents
    • Motorvehicle crashes are the most common cause of death from unintentional injury among children this age

    Healthy Bodies

    • Practice healthy eating habits and physical activity early
    • Make sure your child has 1 hour or more of physical activity each day and limit screen time to no more than 1 to 2 hours per day
    Learn More

    Success in Elementary School

    Learn More

    Your child’s transition into the elementary school years is a major step in their development. They may begin to show more independence from you and other family members, and start to think about their future. Friendships and being accepted become much more important. Mental skills rapidly develop, you’ll notice as they begin to talk through their thoughts and feelings and show concern for others. This is a critical time to get involved with your child’s school, to meet the teachers and staff, understand their learning goals and how you can work together to help your child succeed.


    What You Need to Know

    What school to go to?
    San Antonio has a variety of public, private and charter schools. It’s important know the public school district in which you live and the services are offered at your child’s school as well as the alternative options you may have.

    • Browse Schools and View Ratings

    First Day Preparation
    Every year, a new first day of school can cause stress for both parents and kids. Being prepared can help make a new school year exciting and positive for everyone.

    • First Day of School Checklist

    Tips for Parents
    Helping your child get the most of their early elementary years is a high priority for most parents. These tips deal with areas like communicating with school staff, dealing with problems at school and addressing school discipline.

    • Learn More >

    Videos – What Kids Can Expect in Each Grade
    Here is a great set of videos that describe grade-level expectations in grades K-5 and shows what success looks like in reading, writing and math, grade by grade.

    • Watch Videos >

    Learning at Home

    Life outside of school is a great opportunity for learning, solidifying what your kids learn in school and discovering new lessons. Success in school depends on learning happening outside of school, too.

    Games for Kids and Parents
    FunBrain.com
    Games covering all interest areas and target specific age levels. There are “parent-kid challenges,” “homework relief,” and “books on the run” links. Also linked to this site, there is a family education newsletter that helps with school, life, entertainment, and special needs issues.

    PBS for Parents
    Educational guides, games and stories based on PBS programs. Download the bilingual PBS Parents Play & Learn APP

    Reading Help
    San Antonio Public Library
    This is a great time when children becoming young readers. Check out a variety of activities, programming, and services for school-age children at your local library.
    Scholastic for Parents
    Provides appropriate guides for helping your child learn to love reading.
    BiblioTech
    Bexar County’s BiblioTech is the first all-digital public library in the US and has actively worked to bridge literacy and technology gaps in San Antonio and surrounding areas by establishing a community presence at the physical locations as well as an online presence through the digital collections and resources. Library membership is free to all Bexar County residents. Access to the digital collection is available 24/7.


    After-School Activities (free or low-cost)

    • After School Challenge – List of Sites
      The City of San Antonio Department of Human Services (DHS) operates the After School Challenge Program which provides activities, both educationally based and recreational, to youth at 146 school sites during the school year.
    • Excel Beyond the Bell SA
      Excel Beyond the Bell SA ensures that every child will have access to the Out of School Time enrichment they need to become a healthy, resilient and engaged member of society.
    • Map of Out of School Time (OST) Programs in San Antonio
      UP Partnership has mapped many of the non-profit agencies serving children and youth in San Antonio – from traditional out-of-school time programs to workforce training and college test prep.

    Child Care

    Child Care Assistance from the City of San Antonio
    The Child Care Services Program provides monetary help for child care to an average of 8,200 children per day through more than 750 local child care providers. Child care services are available for both full and part-time care for qualified families. More information >

    Quality Childcare Guide
    This downloadable brochure from the Child Care Services program has a list of steps to choosing the right care for your child, plus a checklist on what to look for when deciding whether that child care meets your quality standard. English | Español

    Quality Childcare Provider List
    This comprehensive list of Quality Child Care Providers in the San Antonio area from Workforce Solutions Alamo includes address, contact information and accreditations. View list >

    Texas Workforce Commission: Texas Child Care Solutions

    Developed by the Texas Workforce Commission, the purpose of Texas Child Care Solutions is so provide parents access to accurate and consistent information to assist them in making informed choices to meet their child care needs. Learn More >

    Learn More

    Health & Fitness

    Learn More

    Getting your child ready for a healthy life starts early. Healthy eating and physical activity habits are very important, and need support from the whole family.

    Here are some resources to help your child have a healthy start to their school-age years. Poor health can cause kids to miss school, which takes away valuable learning time in their elementary years and impacts their education.


    Healthy Development

    Speech, Language and Hearing
    For more information about ensuring your child’s speech, language and hearing health, check out this helpful guide from the American Speech—Language-Hearing Association.
    View Guide >

    Dental Health
    During the first three years of life, it is not to early to give your child the proper foundation for a healthy life and having good oral health is part of it.

    • How do I help my preschooler keep that bright smile?
    • How do I find a dentist that’s right for my child?

    If dental care is outside your family’s budget, the Metro Health Dental Program may be able to help. Learn More >

    Sleep
    When preschool children don’t get enough sleep, it can affect their mood, behavior, eating habits, and ability to focus during the day.

    • Improve Your Child’s Sleep >

    Vision Health
    1 out of every 4 children struggle with reading and learning because of undiagnosed vision problems. Early diagnosis and treatment can help avoid future learning frustrations and setbacks.

    • Learn More About What You Can Do >

    Helpful Links

    • What does healthy development look like?
    • Advice and Information from KidsHealth.org

    Physical Activity

    Why do elementary-age children need physical activity?
    Today’s children are four times less active in their day-to-day lives than their grandparents were. Being active helps your child stay healthy, learn good habits early, gives them an outlet for natural energy, and keeps them from high risk of obesity and other health problems throughout life.

    • Learn More >

    How much physical activity does my child need?
    Physical activity can be playing actively, family fun such as hiking or swimming, and anything that gets your child moving!

    • How Much Time Your Child Needs for Physical Activity
    • Tips to Get Moving

    How do we start?

    • Ideas for Getting Active at the Park
    • Find a Park Near You in San Antonio
    • More Information & Tips

    Going to the Doctor

    Finding a Medical Home
    Today, a child needs a home base for medical and non-medical care supported by a partnership between you, the parent or caregiver, your family, and your primary doctor or provider.

If you have insurance, it is likely you have already established a medical home with a personal doctor. If you have not yet enrolled in medical insurance for your family, this is an important step to secure the medical support your child needs for healthy development. Get help enrolling in San Antonio >

    • When should I call a pediatrician?
    • Where can I find a pediatrician?

    Well-Child Visits
    Childhood is a time of rapid growth and change. At this exam, the health care provider will check your child’s growth and development in order to find or prevent problems. Your child should have more pediatric well-child visits at these early ages when they are younger and developing the fastest, even if your child is healthy.

    • Learn More >
    • What should I expect? >

    Immunizations
    The use of vaccines has led to major improvements in child health over a relatively short period. Many of the infectious illnesses you or your parents had as children, from chickenpox to polio to measles, no longer affect most children today because of immunizations.

    Reminder: immunizations are required by law

    Students who have not completed immunizations will not be allowed to register for kindergarten.

    • Learn More
    • What do I tell my kids about immunizations?
    • Where do I go for immunizations?
    Learn More

    Safety

    Learn More

    Kids are going to fall, crash, slip and tumble. It’s all part of being a kid. But there are little things we can all do to ensure that kids avoid more serious injuries. Walking to school, riding a bike, playing outside and participating in risky activities such as climbing increase at this age. Making sure your child is supervised while swimming or playing near water is very important as well as keeping harmful household products, tools equipment and firearms away form children and talking with your child about asking for help when they need it.

    Safety Information by Topic
    Tips from top safety experts on everything you need to keep kids of any age safe from preventable injuries. View All >

    Texas Safety Tips
    The Department of Family and Protective Services provides information on child safety ranging from sleeping and water safety tips to how to report child abuse and neglect. View All >

    How to make your house safe for kids

    • 10 Ways to Make Your House Healthy and Safe
      •  Guard against Scalding
      •  Watch out for Windows
      •  Foil Other Falls
      •  Renovate Carefully
      •  Test for Radon
      •  Be Prepared for Fire
      •  Monitor Carbon Monoxide
      •  Ban Bugs Safely
      •  Avoid Allergens and Irritants
      •  Lock Up Poisonous Products
    • Healthy Homes
      • Keep It Dry – Moisture in homes can lead to mold and pests, which contribute to asthma, coughing, throat irritation, and nasal stuffiness.
      • Keep It Clean – Reduces exposure to allergens, lead, pest infestations and pesticides.
      • Keep It Pest-Free – Research shows that exposure to pests cause asthma episodes in children.
      • Keep It Ventilated –Reduces hazards of moisture, allergens, mold, carbon monoxide, tobacco smoke, and volatile organic compounds
      • Keep It Safe – Common injuries in homes are falls, poisoning, burning, chocking and drowning.
      • Keep It Contaminant-Free –Americans spend the majority of their time indoors, especially in winter. Limit chemicals, like pesticides and volatile organic compounds in the home.
      • Keep It Maintained – Poor maintenance poses risks for moisture, pests, lead and safety hazards

    First Aid and Safety Guidelines

    • Printable Safety Guides
    • Emergency First Aid Instructions

    Local First Aid and CPR training

    • Red Cross
    • American Heart Association
    • EMS University

    Child Car Safety

    • Guide to Safety in the Car
      • Forward-Facing – ​Children who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their convertible seat should use a forward-facing seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer. Many seats can accommodate children up to 65 pounds or more.
      • Booster Seats – All children whose weight or height exceeds the forward-facing limit for their car safety seat should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are 8 to 12 years of age. All children younger than 13 years should ride in the back seat.
      • Seat Belts – When children are old enough and large enough for the vehicle seat belt to fit them correctly, they should always use lap and shoulder seat belts for the best protection. All children younger than 13 years should ride in the back seat.
    • Safety Recalls and Tips for Kids to Stay Safe in and Around Cars
    Learn More

    Food & Nutrition

    Learn More

    Providing healthy and nutritious meals is one of the most important things you can do to get your child to develop healthy eating habits for life. Parents and caregivers an also help make schools healthier by working with your child’s school to limit foods and drinks high in sugar, solid fat and salt.

    What should my child be eating daily?

    • Nutrition Guidelines
    • Tips for Picky Eaters
    • Top 10 Brain Foods
      • Salmon
      • Eggs
      • Peanut Butter
      • Whole Grains
      • Oats/Oatmeal
      • Berries
      • Beans
      • Colorful Veggies
      • Milk & Yogurt
      • Lean Beef (or Meat Alternative)
    • 10 Snacks Kids Can Make Themselves
      • Veggies and Dip
      • Fruit and Cheese Kabobs
      • Yogurt Parfaits
      • Ants on a Log
      • Cinnamon or Peanut Butter Toast
      • Toasted Cheese Sandwich
      • Microwave Popcorn
      • Microwave Pizza
      • Fruit Smoothies
      • Edamame


    Healthy Recipes for the Whole Family

    Your family eating habits have a major influence on your child’s eating habits.

    • KidsHealth: Healthy Recipes for Families
    • Super Healthy Kids: Blog with fun recipes and meal plans

    Articles on Kids’ Nutrition

    • Monitoring What Your Child Eats
    • High Cholesterol Levels in Children
    • Is Your Child Overweight?
    • Making Healthy Food Choices
    Learn More

    Social & Emotional Life

    Learn More

    Your infant and toddler’s social and emotional development involves understanding their own feelings and behaviors as well as those of others, and applying this knowledge to interactions and relationships. Research has shown that those with high emotional intelligence have better attention skills and fewer learning problems, and are generally more successful in academic and workplace settings.


    Parent & Child Communication

    • Principles of Good Parent/Child Communication
    • How did you do today? – Checklist
    • Milestones and Tips for Home and Preschool
    • What Parents Can Do
    • Articles for Parents & Kids

    Bullying

    StopBullying.gov
    Providing information from various government agencies on how kids, parents, educators and others in the community can prevent or stop bullying. Learn More >
    The KnowBullying app
    A free app for parents to help prevent bullying, created by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Agency (SAMHSA). Learn More >


    Activities and Play Ideas

    Play is super important for young children to explore sense, creativity and the imagination while also building developmental skills like coordination.

    • Learning & Play Ideas >
    • Screen time Guidelines

    Fun Activities for the Whole Family
    Creating powerful and positive learning experiences for your child and your whole family does not need to be expensive. Here are some free or low cost activities to do with your child around San Antonio.
    Free Activity Ideas

    • Free Fun in San Antonio
    • More Fun Things to Do in San Antonio (Attractions)
    • San Antonio Mom Blogs

    Family Events Calendars

    • Little Daily Planner
    • Our Kids Magazine
    • San Antonio Parks and Recreation Calendar
    Learn More

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