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 (PAT) is a no-cost parent education and family support program serving all Goddard School District families throughout pregnancy until their child turns three.

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.

• 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  and playgroups-- 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.

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.

Goddard Public Schools Parents as Teachers program is working with parents to provide parenting support and information on their developing child.  Parents as Teachers is designed to foster strong, loving relationships between parents and their children.