Helping parents become their child's first and most important teacher.
Since 2002, Parents as Teachers of Rural South Central Texas (PAT) has walked alongside families in Fayette and Colorado Counties, from pregnancy until a child starts kindergarten, and it does it all at no cost to the family.
PAT is a free home-visiting program. Trained parent educators meet with families on a regular schedule to follow how each child is growing, run developmental screenings, and share simple, age-appropriate activities that turn everyday moments into learning.
The idea behind everything PAT does is simple: you are your child's most influential teacher. The goal is for children to arrive at kindergarten ready to learn, and for parents to feel confident and supported along the way.
What a home visit looks like
Each visit is built around the child and the family. A typical visit covers:
- Child development: how your child is growing and which milestones are coming next
- Activities to grow on: games and ideas parents can use between visits
- Developmental screenings to catch any concerns early
- Family well-being: support and check-ins for parents, too
- Connections to the family resource center and other community services
- A free book for your child every month
Visits can happen at home or at another location that works for the family.
More ways PAT serves families
- Learn & Play Rooms where children and parents can play, learn and meet other families
- Help Me Grow resources for Fayette and Colorado Counties
- Group connections and family events throughout the year, from Easter celebrations to storybook character days
Now enrolling
Open enrollment for the 2026–27 school year is going on now, and families can join at any time during the year. Any family expecting a baby or raising a child under 5 in Fayette or Colorado County is welcome. Visit sw-pat.org or call 979-743-6584.
Meet the team
PAT is led by Kristi McBride, Executive Director, with Karen Hoskins, Program Director, and Josue Rivas, Development Director. They're joined by a team of parent educators, Learn & Play Room instructors and Help Me Grow staff who know the families of this area by name.
The program's eight parent educators all hold bachelor's degrees or higher, and many families stay with them for years: 44% of families surveyed have been in the program for more than three years.
In parents' own words
"The home visits are so helpful. The screenings help keep us on track to be ready for school."
PAT parent, 2025–26 survey
"I have learned so much about my child's development and how to support their growth every day."
PAT parent
"Excellent program, I would recommend it to all parents and grandparents."
PAT parent
"Thank you for this program. It's helped the boys, and I get out more and connect with others."
PAT parent
How you can help
Make a referral
Referrals are PAT's biggest need, and anyone can make one. Word of mouth is how most families find the program. Refer a family through sw-pat.org or by calling 979-743-6584, and PAT will reach out to them.
Sponsor the annual gala
PAT's annual fundraiser returns in February 2027. Table sponsorships will be available on the PAT website. It's a great way for a business to support local families.
Volunteer
PAT hosts events for families all year long and welcomes volunteers who want to lend a hand.
Spread the word
Put PAT flyers in your lobby or break room. The more parents who hear about PAT, the more children start school ready to learn.
Donate
Online: givebutter.com/PATRSCTX
By mail: PATRSCTX, P.O. Box 2, Weimar, TX 78962
Contact
Find them online
Statistics from PAT's 2025–26 Affiliate Performance Report and Parent Satisfaction Survey.
