The home-based component is an affiliate of the Parents as Teachers (PAT) Program.  PAT is a family education and support program for families with children beginning before birth to age 5.  PAT believes babies are born to learn, and parents are their first and most influential teachers.

PAT Goals:

• To help parents give their child the best possible start in life.
• To help parents feel competent and confident in parenting their child.
• To increase parents' knowledge of child development and appropriate ways to stimulate their child's learning.
• To promote strong bonds between parents and child.
• To develop true partnerships between parents and schools.
• To detect potential learning problems early and connect parents with resources in their community to address any developmental delays.

A certified parent educator from the Family Support Center visits each family's home at least once a month to provide information about children's brain development and activities to enhance growth of language, intellectual, social and motor skills.  The visit also includes time to discuss your child's progress and any other concerns your family may have.

The educator will leave a book and a toy for your child to enjoy until the next visit.

Avery important part of the PAT Program is the monthly parent meeting.  At some parent meetings, there will be a guest speaker with a topic of interest to parents; some meetings will include the children and activities; and some meetings will include an opportunity for parents discussion.  Childcare is available for parent meetings.

The last segment of the PAT Program is an annual developmental screening.  This provides  you with the opportunity to see how your child is progressing and to identify any potential delays.

Studies have shown that children who participate in the Parents as Teachers Program do better in school.

This program is free and open to everyone!