FIU PAT4YOU is a specialized, evidence-based home visitation program for families with children from birth to age five, funded by The Children's Trust since 2006. As an affiliate of Parents as Teachers International, the program provides individualized support focused on school readiness, healthy child development, and positive parenting practices.
Program Objectives
Families are referred through community partner agencies and receive biweekly home visits, monthly group meetings, developmental screenings, and community resource referrals. Ninety-nine percent of participants complete the full five-year program.
Debbie Rudnicki, M.S.Ed.
Project Director
Debbie Rudnicki has over thirty years of experience in early childhood education management and is a certified PATNC supervisor since 2002. She holds multiple undergraduate degrees including a M.S.Ed in Child Life Therapy from Wheelock College, Boston. As Director, she ensures delivery of services, provides direct supervision of the PAT model, and collaborates with local agencies and national programs.
Yina Herrera, M.S.
Program Coordinator & Specialist
Yina Herrera holds a B.S. in Occupational Therapy from Del Rosario University Bogota-Colombia and a M.S. in Early Intervention from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale. She has over twenty years of experience in early childhood and has been a PATNC certified Specialist since 2002. She implements the Foundational Curriculum as mandated by PATNC, provides home visitation and developmental screenings.
Halida Florez, M.S.
Program Coordinator & Specialist
Halida Florez holds a B.S. in Occupational Therapy from Del Rosario University, Colombia and a M.S. in Early Intervention from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale. She has over twenty years of experience in early childhood and has been a PATNC certified Specialist since 2002. She implements the Foundational Curriculum as mandated by PATNC, provides home visitation and developmental screenings.
