Parents as Teachers (PAT)
An International Model - A Local Program
The Ounce of Prevention Fund serves as the State Office and provides statewide support for the 200 PAT programs in Illinois. Working closely with the PAT National Center, The Ounce provides the infrastructure for administration and leadership for PAT in Illinois.
What is Parents as Teachers? Parents as Teachers (PAT) is an early education and support program that begins prenatally - the onset of learning - and extends to age 5. This early prevention program is based on the beliefs that parents are the first and most influential teachers of their children and that the early years lay the foundation for children's success in school and life.
In the first few years, children learn more and at a much faster pace than at any other time in life. Through PAT, parents acquire knowledge and skills to make the most of these crucial, early learning years. The program provides timely information on child development, intellectual growth, social development and motor skills, and strengthens parent-child relationships.
What Does PAT Offer? Parents as Teachers is designed to provide guidance and support to families of all configurations and life circumstances, including teen parents. Services are adapted to meet individual family needs. The program provides the following service.
Personal Visits. PAT-certified educators, trained in child development and home visiting, help parents understand and have appropriate expectations for each stage of their child's development. They offer practical ideas on ways to encourage learning and interact with children.
Group Meetings. Parents meet to enhance their parenting knowledge, gain new insights and share their experiences, common concerns and successes. Group meetings also provide families the opportunity to participate in parent-child activities.
Developmental Screening. Parents as Teachers offers periodic screening of overall development, health, hearing, and vision to provide early detection of potential problems and prevent later difficulties in school.
Resource Network. Families are helped to access other needed community services that are beyond the scope of the PAT program.
