Early childhood is one of the most critical stages of human development. The experiences a child has from birth to age five strongly influence their cognitive, emotional, and social growth. One program that recognizes the vital role of parents during these formative years is Parents as Teachers (PAT). This internationally recognized parent education and family support program equips parents with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to support their child’s learning and overall well-being.
What Is Parents as Teachers?
Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a nonprofit organization and evidence-based model founded in 1984 in Missouri, USA. Its mission is to promote the optimal early development, learning, and health of young children by supporting and engaging their parents and caregivers.
The program operates on the belief that parents are a child’s first and most influential teacher. Through regular visits, screenings, group sessions, and community resource connections, PAT helps parents build strong foundations for their children’s future success in school and life.
Today, Parents as Teachers programs operate across all 50 U.S. states and in more than 100 other countries.
Core Components of the PAT Model
Parents as Teachers follows a structured approach that includes four main components:
- Personal Visits
Trained parent educators make regular home visits to guide parents on child development, parenting strategies, and family well-being. - Group Connections
Parents meet with other families in group sessions to share experiences, learn together, and build community support. - Child Screenings
Developmental, health, hearing, and vision screenings are conducted to identify potential issues early. - Resource Network
Families are connected to community resources such as healthcare, early childhood education, and social services.
Goals of the Parents as Teachers Program
The PAT model has clear goals that reflect its family-centered and development-focused mission:
- Increase parent knowledge of early childhood development.
- Improve parenting practices through evidence-based strategies.
- Provide early detection of developmental delays and health issues.
- Prevent child abuse and neglect through education and support.
- Strengthen family connections and resilience.
- Enhance school readiness and long-term academic success.
Why Parents as Teachers Matters
Decades of research show that early parental involvement has a lasting impact on children’s growth. Parents as Teachers addresses this by empowering caregivers with tools and resources that lead to measurable outcomes.
Benefits for Children
- Early identification of learning or developmental challenges.
- Improved language, social, and cognitive skills.
- Increased readiness for kindergarten.
- Stronger emotional security and attachment.
Benefits for Parents
- Greater confidence in parenting decisions.
- Practical knowledge of child development milestones.
- Access to community resources and professional guidance.
- Reduced feelings of stress and isolation.
Benefits for Communities
- Lower rates of child maltreatment.
- Higher rates of children achieving school success.
- Stronger family and community connections.
Evidence of Effectiveness
Parents as Teachers is classified as an evidence-based program, meaning its effectiveness is supported by rigorous research. Studies have shown that:
- Children in PAT are more likely to be prepared for school and perform better academically.
- Families report stronger parent-child interactions and more nurturing home environments.
- Early screenings lead to timely interventions, improving long-term outcomes.
Because of this proven track record, PAT programs are often supported by schools, health systems, and government agencies.
Who Can Benefit from Parents as Teachers?
Parents as Teachers serves a wide range of families, including:
- Expectant parents preparing for a new baby.
- First-time parents seeking guidance.
- Families with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
- Parents of children with special needs or developmental delays.
- Families navigating challenges such as poverty, housing instability, or limited access to resources.
How Parents as Teachers Works in Practice
A typical home visit might include:
- A conversation about the child’s development.
- Demonstrations of age-appropriate play and learning activities.
- Guidance on managing challenges like tantrums, sleep routines, or feeding.
- A developmental screening to track progress.
- A discussion about family needs, such as childcare or healthcare referrals.
Group sessions often focus on topics like healthy eating, preparing for preschool, or stress management for parents.
Parents as Teachers vs. Other Parenting Programs
While many parenting programs exist, PAT is unique because it:
- Starts as early as pregnancy.
- Focuses heavily on parent-child interaction.
- Provides a comprehensive blend of home visits, screenings, and group support.
- Connects families with local resources, tailoring support to each community.
Conclusion
Parents as Teachers is more than just a program—it is a movement to empower parents as the first and most influential educators in their children’s lives. By focusing on early childhood development, providing personalized support, and strengthening community connections, PAT helps families build brighter futures.
For parents, schools, and communities committed to ensuring every child has the best possible start in life, Parents as Teachers offers a proven path forward.