The Parents As Teachers program (PAT) helps parents with the development of their parenting skills toward enhancing the development of their children.  Through PAT, parents acquire knowledge and skills to make the most of crucial early learning years.  As a parent, you are your child's first and most important teacher.

PAT is a family education and support program that begins prenatal through age 3.  It is a flexible program for all parents of young children and provides timely information on child development and neuroscience research.  The program involves parents in parent-child activities that encourage language, intellectual, social and motor development.

Personal home visits are the heart of the program.  PAT certified parent educators are trained in child development and educated in the latest brain research on early learning.  They help you understand what to expect as your child grows.  They offer practical suggestions  on encouraging learning and managing challenging behavior.

Group meetings allow parents to meet with other parents to gain new insights, share experiences and discuss parenting topics.

Screenings are administered periodically by a parent educator that assess your child's overall development, as well as health, hearing and vision.

You and your baby deserve the support Parents as Teachers offers.  Give your child the best possible start in life, because your baby was born to learn!

If you are interested in enrolling in the Parents As Teachers program or finding out more about it, please complete the Enrollment Card then drop it off or mail it to Parents As Teachers at the Williams Elementary building on Fort Leonard Wood on Pulaski Avenue near the West Gate, or call (573) 452-2002.

To visit the PAT National Center's website click here!

To see an overview of the PAT Program, click here.