Parents as Teachers

Parental Programs

Helping children, and parents, be their best.

Parents as Teachers (PAT) shares the vision that all children will learn, grow and develop to realize their full potential. The PAT model is designed to support any community and any family during the crucial early years of a child’s life. PAT is a free, voluntary, evidence-based program that promotes optimal early development, learning and health of young children by supporting and engaging their parents and caregivers. We advance the delivery of high-quality services for families through a comprehensive support system and innovative solutions.

How the PAT model benefits parents and children:

Increases parent knowledge of early childhood development while improving parenting practices.
Provides early detection of developmental delays and health issues.
Prevents child abuse and neglect.
Increases children’s school readiness and success.

Panhandle Health District's Parents as Teachers Program Earns Blue Ribbon Endorsement

In 2024, we completed the Parents as Teachers Quality Endorsement and Improvement Process and earned the highest designation: Blue Ribbon Affiliate status. Being
named a Blue Ribbon Affiliate affirms that we are among the highest quality members of the home visitation and parent education field, implementing the evidence-based
Parents as Teachers model with fidelity and quality.