Family Resources

Supporting Your Family's Success

We're here to help! Explore helpful resources, tips, and community services to support your family's health, education, and well-being.

Healthy Eating Habits

Nutrition tips and meal planning ideas for growing children

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Sleep Tips for Children

Establishing healthy sleep routines and bedtime best practices

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Literacy & Learning

Activities to build reading, writing, and language skills at home

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Health & Wellness

Tips for keeping your family healthy, active, and happy

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Community Services

Local programs, food pantries, and family assistance resources

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Financial Assistance

CCMS Workforce Program and childcare subsidy information

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Nutrition

Healthy Eating Habits for Children

Good nutrition is essential for your child's growth, development, and overall health. Here are practical tips to establish healthy eating habits.

Balanced Meals

  • Include fruits and vegetables at every meal
  • Choose whole grains over refined grains
  • Provide lean proteins (chicken, fish, beans, nuts)
  • Limit processed foods and added sugars

Meal Timing Tips

  • Establish regular meal and snack times
  • Don't skip breakfast—it fuels learning
  • Offer healthy snacks between meals
  • Eat meals together as a family when possible

Hydration

  • Water is the best choice for hydration
  • Limit sugary drinks and sodas
  • Milk provides calcium for growing bones
An adult woman with five young children wearing matching black camp t-shirts posing together under a covered pavilion outdoors

At Small Hands Big Hopes

We provide 6 nutritious meals daily, ensuring your child receives balanced nutrition throughout the day. Our meals follow USDA guidelines and accommodate dietary restrictions.

Recommended Sleep Hours

Infants (4-12 months) 12-16 hrs
Toddlers (1-2 years) 11-14 hrs
Preschool (3-5 years) 10-13 hrs
School-Age (6-12 years) 9-12 hrs
Sleep Tips

Better Sleep for Growing Children

Quality sleep is crucial for your child's physical growth, cognitive development, and emotional well-being. Follow these tips for healthy sleep habits.

Consistent Schedule

Set the same bedtime and wake time every day, even on weekends. Consistency helps regulate your child's internal clock.

Bedtime Routine

Create a calming 30-60 minute routine: bath time, pajamas, brushing teeth, reading stories. This signals it's time to wind down.

Sleep Environment

Keep the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Remove screens (TV, tablets, phones) at least 1 hour before bedtime.

Physical Activity

Encourage active play during the day, but avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime. Tired bodies sleep better!

Avoid Heavy Meals

Don't serve large meals right before bed. A light snack (like milk and crackers) is okay if your child is hungry.

Literacy Development

Building Literacy Skills at Home

Reading and language skills are the foundation for all learning. Here are fun, simple ways to support your child's literacy development at every age.

Infants & Toddlers

  • Talk, sing, and read to your baby daily
  • Point to and name objects
  • Use board books with pictures
  • Repeat sounds and words

Preschoolers

  • Read together every day
  • Ask questions about the story
  • Practice letter recognition
  • Rhyming games and songs

Pre-K

  • Practice writing their name
  • Introduce letter sounds (phonics)
  • Retell stories in their own words
  • Visit the library together

School-Age

  • Independent reading time daily
  • Discuss books and characters
  • Encourage journaling or writing
  • Read different genres together

Daily Literacy Activities for All Ages

Read Aloud Daily

Make reading a special bonding time. Let your child choose books that interest them.

Talk & Listen

Have conversations. Ask open-ended questions. Listen to their stories and ideas.

Write Together

Make lists, write letters, create stories. Writing reinforces reading skills.

Words Everywhere

Point out signs, labels, and words during errands and outings.

Act Out Stories

Use props, puppets, or costumes to bring books to life through play.

Visit the Library

Free books, story times, and reading programs for all ages.

Community Resources

Local Services & Support Programs

We're here to connect you with community resources that support your family's needs. Below are local services available in the Palmview and Mission area.

Food Assistance

Local Food Pantries

Free groceries and food assistance for families in need

  • • Rio Grande Valley Food Bank
  • • Mission Food Pantry
  • • Church-based food distributions

SNAP Benefits (Food Stamps)

Monthly food assistance for eligible families. Apply at your local Texas Health and Human Services office or online at YourTexasBenefits.com

WIC Program

Nutrition assistance for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5. Provides healthy foods, nutrition education, and health referrals.

Healthcare Services

Community Health Centers

Affordable healthcare for families regardless of insurance status

  • • Su Clinica Familiar
  • • Community Health Center of the RGV
  • • Sliding scale fees available

Children's Health Insurance

CHIP and Medicaid provide free or low-cost health coverage for children. Apply at YourTexasBenefits.com or call 2-1-1.

Immunization Clinics

Free or low-cost vaccines for children at local health departments and community clinics.

Financial Assistance

CCMS Workforce Program

Childcare subsidies for working families. We accept CCMS payments!

Learn more below →

Utility Assistance

LIHEAP helps with electricity and heating bills. Contact your local community action agency.

Education Support

Head Start and other early education programs provide free preschool for eligible families.

Family Support

2-1-1 Texas

Free 24/7 helpline connecting you to local resources for food, housing, healthcare, and more.

Call 2-1-1

Parenting Classes

Free parenting education and support groups offered through local organizations and churches.

Housing Assistance

Section 8 vouchers and housing programs available through local housing authorities.

Need Help Finding Resources?

Our staff can help connect you with local services and programs. Don't hesitate to ask!

Childcare Assistance

CCMS Workforce Solutions Childcare Program

We proudly participate in the CCMS (Child Care Management Services) Workforce Solutions program, which helps eligible working families pay for quality childcare.

Who Qualifies?

  • Working parents or those in job training/education
  • Meet income eligibility requirements
  • Children from birth through age 12
  • Reside in the Workforce Solutions service area

How to Apply

  1. 1 Contact your local Workforce Solutions office or visit WorkInTexas.com
  2. 2 Complete the childcare assistance application
  3. 3 Provide required documentation (proof of income, work/school schedule, etc.)
  4. 4 Once approved, choose Small Hands Big Hopes Academy as your provider!

Program Benefits

Reduced Costs

Significantly lower childcare costs based on your income

Quality Care

Access to 4-Star Texas Rising Star rated childcare

Work Support

Allows you to work or attend school with peace of mind

Child Development

Quality education and care while you work

Need Help with Your Application?

Our staff is here to assist you through the CCMS application process. Contact us for guidance!

Other Financial Resources

Tax Credits

Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit may help reduce your tax burden

Payment Plans

We offer flexible payment options—talk to our office about what works for you

More Information

Visit our enrollment page or contact us to learn about rates and financial options