Parents As Teachers

Parents as Teachers is a free parent education program to help families understand their child's development from birth through age five. In Missouri, Parents as Teachers is funded through the public school system and is available to all families. In other states the program may be restricted to high need or low-income families, depending on funding.

From the PAT website: "The concept for Parents as Teachers was developed in the 1970s when Missouri educators noted that children were beginning kindergarten with varying levels of learning readiness. Research showed that greater family involvement in children's learning is a critical link in the child's development of academic skills, including reading and writing... Since 1985, Parents as Teachers has expanded to all 50 states and to other countries."

PAT provides each familiy with a parent educator that will visit the home several times throughout the year and conduct development screenings for your child. PAT also sponsors parent group meetings, formal screenings and resources based on the needs of your child.

We had our first visit this week and our parent educator screened Ben's hearing and went through a developmental checklist for his age. We had been added to a high needs list due to Ben's surgery and the posibility for related delays. So far, Ben's hearing and development all fell in the normal range and she has no concerns. (We kind of figured that, but it's nice to hear it from an unbiased third party.)

I've heard mixed opinions about Parents as Teachers, but after seeing the varying degree of readiness among kindergarteners in public schools, I only wish more families would participate. Click here to find your local Parents as Teachers.

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I sewed this blanket for Ben. It wasn't a huge project, I just did the edges, but it turned out pretty cute. Mom bought all of the stuff for me. I'm not sure if I'll be able to let go of the serger she lent me.