What is Parents as Teachers? "A great deal of stress has been relieved now that I have someone helping me find out more about the programs and information that I would like to utilize in raising my daughter."   Sanford, Maine

Being a parent is hard work.

In the first few years, children learn more and at a faster pace than at any other time in life. You help shape your child's future through the kinds of experiences you provide. Your baby was born to learn, and as a parent, you are your child's first and most important teacher.

Parents as Teachers is here to help you!

Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a parent education and family support program serving families throughout pregnancy until their child enters kindergarten, usually age 5.

Parents are supported by PAT-certified parent educators trained to translate scientific information on early brain development into specific when, what, how and why advice for families. By understanding what to expect during each stage of development, parents can easily capture the teachable moments in everyday life to enhance their child's language development, intellectual growth, social development and motor skills.

As a PAT family, you receive:

• Personal visits -- during which your parent educator will share age-appropriate child development and parenting information, help you learn to observe your child, and address your parenting concerns.
• Parent group meetings -- which are opportunities to share information about parenting issues and child development. Parents learn and support each other, observe their children with other children and practice parenting skills.
• Screenings -- to assess your child's overall development as well as health, hearing and vision.
• Resource network -- that links your family to other community services.

More about Parents as Teachers

Thousands of Parents as Teachers sites can be found nationwide...local programs working with parents to provide them with parenting support and information on their developing child. Parents as Teachers is designed to foster strong, loving relationships between parents and their children.

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!