SMART Family Literacy

The Atlantic Hurricane Season starts on June 1st. Families with small children can join us next Tuesday at The Spot to learn how to prepare.

Look at these beautiful wildflowers across the street from our SMART garden!

Thanks to encouragement from one of our neighbors, GUM applied for a Planned Natural Landscape Exemption Permit to allow the wildflowers at our Legacy Center to continue growing naturally.

By preserving native plants and wildflower growth, we’re helping create a small sanctuary that:
• Supports local wildlife
• Provides food and shelter for natural pollinators like bees and butterflies
• Helps migrating birds find rest and nourishment
• Encourages biodiversity and healthier soil
• Reduces excessive mowing and water usage

We believe caring for our community also means caring for the environment around us. Thank you for embracing the beauty and purpose of letting nature thrive. 💛🌼

Save the date! Our annual spring conference, "Make Space for Reading," is taking place at Moody Gardens on April 17, 2027. Donation-based tickets go on sale October 5th, so mark your calendars!

Book your hotel room at a reduced rate now by calling the Moody Gardens Hotel directly and telling them that you are attending the conference with SMART Family Literacy.

Click the link for details.

2027 Make Space for Reading Early Childhood Conference Professional conference for child care professionals. K-8 Newspapers in Education Workshop.

There are a lot of guidelines around safe sleeping habits with infants that have changed over the generations. In a child care setting, teachers have to place the baby on their back in a crib with a tight fitted sheet. They cannot have anything soft, and rather than a blanket, the child must have a sleep sack like what is pictured here. Many first time parents are surprised when their child can't be swaddled. For more information in both English and Spanish, visit https://www.dshs.texas.gov/maternal-child-health/healthy-texas-mothers-babies/moms-to-be/safe-infant-sleep/safe-sleep-recommendations

Join us at The Ranch tomorrow for free fun for families with small children!

We're having teacher training in the garden!

Our most popular conference session from this spring's Make Space for Reading Early Childhood Education Conference will be repeated for local educators. Child care professionals and K-8 teachers can use the link to register for the event on May 17th from 5:00-6:30 pm. Certificates will be provided.

Galveston Island teachers can register for free using the code GALVESTON. Questions? Message us, or email [email protected]

Gardening with Young Children Instructor-led training for child care professionals aligned with the Texas Core Competencies for Practitioners.

"By Texas’ own estimation, almost half of its children entering kindergarten are not ready for school."

Our SMART Families 0-3 program is working directly with parents to help their young children get the support they need to be ready for school. This program allows for individual family visits and activities as well as group engagement at SMART Parties.

We are currently recruiting families on Galveston Island for this program. If you or someone you know is interested in joining this FREE program, please contact [email protected].

Participation also includes free books, toys, and resources for families!

Read the full NIEER article here: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/texas-preschoolers-really-ready-kindergarten-070000333.html?guccounter=1

We had a great Directors’ Network meeting today with lots of great discussion! We talked about writing and using an employee handbook, emergency preparedness, and minimum standards. This group is amazing! New, but long lasting friendships were formed. Everyone needs a support system.

Join us tomorrow at The Spot for an Earth Day SMART Party.