Parents as Teachers
Mission & Vision & Values
About Parents as Teachers (PAT)
Parents as Teachers is an international early childhood parent education and family support program serving families throughout pregnancy until their child enters kindergarten, usually age 5. PAT is voluntary, and free of charge to families living within the Wichita Public Schools, USD 259, boundaries. We welcome all families to participate in this program, even if their children are also enrolled in an educational daycare or preschool setting during most days.
The program is designed to give children the best possible start in life, and to support parents in their role as children’s first and most important teachers. PAT is based on two simple truths: babies are born learners, and parents play a critical role from the beginning in determining what their children will become.
👋Interested fill out our interest form!
Vision
All children will learn, grow and develop to realize their full potential.
Mission
To provide the information, support and encouragement parents need to help their children develop optimally during the crucial early years of life.
Program Goals
- Increase parent knowledge of early childhood development and improve parenting practices
- Provide early detection of developmental delays and health issues
- Prevent child abuse and neglect
- Increase children's school readiness and school success
Core Values
- The early years of a child's life are critical for optimal development and provide the foundation for success in school and in life.
- Parents are their children's first and most influential teachers.
- Established and emerging research should be the foundation of parent education and family support curricula, training, materials and services.
- All young children and their families deserve the same opportunities to succeed, regardless of any demographic, geographic or economic considerations.
- An understanding and appreciation of the history and traditions of diverse cultures is essential in serving families.
Benefits, Goals & Services
Program Goals
- Increase parent knowledge of early childhood development and improve parenting practices
- Provide early detection of developmental delays and health issues
- Prevent child abuse and neglect
- Increase children's school readiness and school success
Key Benefits
- Strengthens development in the first 5 years.
- Prepares children for school success.
- Welcomes all family types and backgrounds.
Services Offered
- Home Visits – Personalized parenting and child development tips.
- Group Connections – Skill-building playtime with educators.
- Group Meetings – Parenting support on special topics.
- Screenings – Health, hearing, vision, and development checks.
- Resource Network – Help connecting to community services.
Parent Educators
- Certified professionals guiding parents as their child’s first teacher.
Literacy Focus
- Promotes early reading skills through:
- Book sharing
- Rhyming songs
- Language and print awareness