The Parent-Child Education Program Is Coming to Uvalde & La Pryor
Parents are their children’s first and most important teachers. Beginning in the 2026–2027 program year, AVANCE is bringing PCEP to Uvalde and La Pryor.
This free program will support families with children ages 0–5 through parent education, hands-on learning, educational toy-making, home visits, and community connection.
Families
Communities
Ages Served
What is PCEP?
The Parent-Child Education Program (PCEP) is a free, nine-month family education program designed for families with children ages 0–5.
At the heart of PCEP is a simple belief: parents are their children’s first and most important teachers, and home is the first classroom.
Through weekly classes, educational toy-making, home visits, parent-child interaction activities, and family support services, parents gain the knowledge and confidence to support their children’s learning and development during the earliest years of life.
Founded in San Antonio in 1973, PCEP was the first program offered by AVANCE and remains at the heart of our mission today.
Why the Texas Wintergarden Region?
For more than a decade, AVANCE has partnered with families throughout the Texas Wintergarden region through Head Start and Early Head Start programming. During that time, we have had the privilege of building relationships with families, educators, community leaders, and local organizations who care deeply about creating opportunities for children to succeed.
As those relationships have grown, so has our commitment to ensuring that families in rural communities have access to the same opportunities and support systems available in larger cities. While the needs of each community may look different, every parent deserves access to programs that help them support their child’s learning and development.
The need is significant. Approximately 60% of Texas rural counties are considered childcare deserts, meaning families have limited access to licensed childcare and early learning opportunities. Programs like PCEP help bridge that gap by equipping parents with the tools, confidence, and support they need to become active partners in their child’s education from the very beginning.
Bringing PCEP to Uvalde and La Pryor is a natural next step in AVANCE’s commitment to the region. While the program will be adapted to meet local needs, its core mission remains the same: empowering parents, strengthening families, and creating opportunities for children to thrive.
“We know the impact this program can have on families, and we believe our rural communities deserve the same access to programs, support, and care that families in larger cities receive. We’re excited to bring PCEP to the Texas Wintergarden and continue investing in the future of our children and families.”
— Georgette Chapa, Assistant Director of Programs
What Families Can Expect
Learn Together
Participate in weekly classes that help parents better understand child development and support learning at home through age-appropriate activities and experiences.
Create & Play
Design and build educational toys using everyday materials, giving families practical tools they can use to encourage learning, creativity, and exploration beyond the classroom.
Build Community
Connect with other parents, participate in family-focused activities, receive support through home visits, and become part of the AVANCE family.
Interested in Getting Involved?
For Families
If you have a child ages 0–5 and would like to learn more about participating in PCEP, we’d love to hear from you.
For Community Partners
Strong communities are built through strong partnerships. We’re looking to connect with schools, healthcare providers, churches, businesses, community organizations, and local leaders who want to help families thrive.
Partners interested in working with AVANCE can contact Nidia.Nevarez@AvanceSA.org