Parents As Teachers (PAT)
As their child’s first and best teacher, parents play a crucial role in supporting school readiness. Parents as Teachers (PAT) is an evidence-based home visiting model that promotes optimal early development, learning, and health of children by supporting and engaging their parents and caregivers prenatally through kindergarten.
Parent Educators help families:
- Enhance their parenting skills
- Support healthy pregnancies and babies
- Build a strong network of support for parents and families
- Make homes a safe place for children to live and play
- Get referrals for healthcare, childcare, job training, and other support services available in their community
- Find ways to continue their education and develop job skills
- Set goals for their future and find ways to reach them
Program Components
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Home Visit
Home visits with the Parent Educator and the family take place twice a month and last for about an hour. Each visit includes Parent-Child Interaction, Development-Centered Parenting, and Family Well Being. Each visit lasts about an hour. All materials, books, and information are taken to the home. The information discussed is chosen by the family to ensure that their needs are met at every visit.
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Group Connection
Every month families are invited to gather together for a time of social interaction, family-child bonding, and fun. Every group connection allows for parents and children to have the opportunity to meet and get to know other PAT families. Although topics and locations will vary each month will focus on either child development, parent/child interaction, or family well-being. Snacks, materials, and door prizes are offered at each group connection.
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Screenings
Every child participating in PAT receives a comprehensive set of developmental screenings to ensure he/she is developmentally on track. Health, dental, vision, and hearing items are reviewed yearly as part of the child's health record. Ages and Stages Questionnaires are completed by parents yearly. Developmental milestones are reviewed monthly. Information regarding well-child visits and immunizations are reviewed upon completion with the child's pediatrician.
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Community Resources and Referrals
Parent Educators work closely with families to address barriers and identify goals in order to connect them with the best community resources suited to meet the individual needs of the family.
