As you know, teachers and counselors in Leander ISD utilize the Second Step curriculum to teach children important skills for getting along with others and doing well in school. It also helps our school be a safe and supportive place where everyone can learn. 

To meet the required State of Texas Health TEKS for the instruction to prevent child abuse, Leander ISD counselors will utilize lessons from the Second Step Child Protection Curriculum. These lessons will teach students three types of skills: 

• Personal Safety. Students will learn important safety rules, such as safety with guns, sharp tools, and fire, and when riding on wheels or in cars. They will also learn ways to help them decide if something is safe or not. 

• Touching Safety. Students will learn about safe, unsafe, and unwanted touches, and rules about touching private body parts. They’ll also learn to say no to unsafe or unwanted touches and to tell an adult if someone breaks rules about touching private body parts. 

• Assertiveness. These lessons will also give students a chance to practice asking an adult for help, telling an adult about an unsafe situation, and being assertive to get out of unsafe situations. 

If you would like to preview the lesson material, use the activation keys listed below at www.secondstep.org. A physical copy of the Second Step Child Protection Curriculum will be available to parents to view in the counselor's office during the month of January. If you'd like to view the curriculum in person please email claribel.gonzalez@leanderisd.org to make an appointment. 

In order for students to participate in these lessons, parents must complete an opt-in form. Senate Bill 9, passed in the special session of the 87th Legislature states: 

Before a student may be provided with instruction relating to the prevention of child abuse, family violence, a school district must obtain the written consent of the student's parent.

Kinder through 5th grade students will start the Second Step Child Protection Unit throughout the month of February. If you would like your student to participate please complete the opt-in form below by February 2nd, 2026.

Opt-In form 

If you have any questions about the Child Protection Unit or the Second Step program, please contact me. Thank you for helping us to make our school a safe and supportive place where everyone can learn.