Parents as Teachers

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.

Parent as Teachers is open to ALL families with children prenatal to five years old. The program is designed for moms and dads to participate in learning about how their baby is developing and how parents can best support that growth. There are no income eligibility guidelines. You only need to have a child aged five years or younger to participate.

Services are available in all five northern counties of Idaho, including Kootenai, Benewah, Bonner, Boundary and Shoshone.

Father reading to his young daughter

Contact

Kristine Kono, Program Manager
Email: kkono@phd1.idaho.gov
Phone: (208) 415-5298
Text: (208) 797-4484
Address: 8500 N. Atlas Rd. Hayden, ID 83835

Meet Our Team

Becky Schoonmaker

Parent Educator

Kaila Wilhelmi

Parent Educator

Katelyn Miller

Parent Educator

Kris Kono

RN/BSN, Nurse Home Visitor Manager