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Early Learning Services

Parents as Teachers

Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a district-provided early learning program from the Center of Community Supports that provides practical and timely information to ALL families, including single, first-time and expectant parents. Our mission is simple: ensure that every parent has the tools to help their children develop in the best possible way during their early years.

Helping Families Across Kansas

In order for a child to develop optimally, it’s important for parents to understand all the crucial stages of a child’s early years, including:

-How your child grows and develops

-How to encourage your child so that they get a great start in life

-How to find regular support that guides you toward useful resources

But all of this is easier said than done, especially if you’re a first-time or single parent. Luckily, Parents as Teachers is here to provide you with all the support you need. Parent educators provide this support by sharing age-appropriate child development information, addressing parenting concerns, and engaging the family in activities. 

PAT Program Services

PAT’s range of services offer families a variety of opportunities to ensure their young children are set up for a lifetime of success.

Personal Visits:

Parent educators share development information relevant to your child, address parenting concerns and engage the family in parent-child activities

Group Connections:

Group Connections are a way to share information about parenting issues and child development

Screenings:

We offer annual developmental, health, vision and hearing screenings that allow for early identification of developmental delays that could interfere with learning

Resource Network:

Parent educators help families overcome barriers by identifying and accessing communities resources. 

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library:

All children are enrolled free of charge in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and receive an age-appropriate book mailed to their home every month

On each visit, we’ll:

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Look at your child’s development and talk about the parenting challenges you face right now

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Think about if there are any family dynamics that could be impacting your child’s development

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Build strong protective factors to keep you, your child and your family healthy, strong and resilient

Who is Eligible for Parents as Teachers?

Parents who are expecting or have a child under the age of Kindergarten eligibility who reside in a participating school district. 

PAT Evidence-Based Model

Parents as Teachers has an “evidence-based” model that proves the effectiveness of the program based on the outcomes and results of rigorous evaluations. By following the four stages of the PAT model (personal visits, group connections, resource networks, and child screenings), PAT Affiliates will be able to successfully:

-Improve parents’ understanding of early childhood development 

-Improve parent practices with their children

-Identify any developmental delays or health issues early on

-Prevent child abuse and neglect

-Prepare children for school and success!

The proof of the PAT model’s success is in the pudding: Parents as Teachers children are healthy, safe, and ready to learn. They’re also better problem solvers, score higher on kindergarten readiness tests, and are more advanced in language and social development.