Finding resources for parents of young children can sometimes feel overwhelming, but Parents as Teachers (PAT) Leander makes it easy. This free program, available to all families in Leander ISD, offers a welcoming space for parents and caregivers to connect, learn, and support their child’s growth.
It’s a favorite among families in the North Austin Family Network, and we have a group chat to coordinate among the parents who attend for when we will be there.
Even with the website, and online resources offered by PAT, many parents don’t understand the immense resource that PAT is before attending, so we wanted to share what it is, and why we love it!
Stay and Play: A Favorite Among Families
The heart of Parents as Teachers is their Stay and Play program—a drop-in style playtime where parents and little ones gather to explore, learn, and socialize. What makes it so special?
- Early childhood educators are there to guide play, offering tips on how to make activities developmentally appropriate.
- A wide variety of educational toys keeps kids engaged and curious.
- Parents get a chance to connect with one another, share experiences, and build community while their children play.
Classes by Age Group
Beyond Stay and Play, Parents as Teachers offers structured classes tailored to different age groups. Each class includes:
- Free play with peers
- Singing songs and music time
- Crafts and art projects
- Storytime and reading
- Basic sign language to support early communication
These sessions provide a wonderful blend of play and learning, giving both children and parents tools to thrive.
In loving littles, their class for infants, Nurse Hailey teaches parents how to give infant massages. They discuss safe sleeping and breastfeeding. The resources from PAT are truly from pregnancy to kindergarten!
Two Convenient Locations
Parents as Teachers has two local hubs:
Both sites are easily accessible for families in the community.
Home Visits
For parents who want extra support, PAT also offers home visits. Educators come to you, assess where your child is developmentally, and recommend ways to encourage their growth with everyday activities and routines. When PAT comes to do kids visits, they check on the kids but also on the primary care-taker’s emotional wellbeing.
The Clothing Closet & Resources
Another favorite feature is the clothing closet, filled with sizes from newborn through kindergarten. Parents can drop off gently used items or pick up what they need—all neatly sorted by size. In addition to clothes, families may also find essentials like formula, bibs, and other supplies. Once kids outgrow the closet, families can transition to the Leander PTA Clothes Closet for continued support.
Lending Library of Toys & Books
Families can also take advantage of the toy lending library. From puzzles to educational games, parents can check out toys to bring home, offering fresh play opportunities without having to purchase new items. They also have a wide variety of books available to be checked out!
Why Families Love Parents as Teachers Leander
- It’s free and open to all families in Leander ISD.
- It’s both fun and educational—kids play, learn, and make friends while parents gain tools and support.
- It builds community. Many families find their parenting village through these programs.
- It offers practical resources—from clothes to toys to personalized home visits.
If you’re raising little ones in Leander ISD, Parents as Teachers is an incredible resource to take advantage of. Whether you stop by for Stay and Play, sign up for classes, borrow from the toy library, or visit the closet, you’ll find a supportive, welcoming space for your family.
Not sure which school district you’re in? Check out this School District Locator for personalized info. If you’re not in Leander ISD, we would recommend Bridges to Growth in Georgetown which is a similar program, but isn’t connected to the school district.
Leave a Reply