The Parents as Teachers (PAT) model is an evidence-based early childhood home visiting framework for families with children prenatal through kindergarten entry that builds strong communities, thriving families and children who are healthy, safe and ready to learn.
Program Components
- Personal Visits are designed to meet the needs of each individual family with intensity ranging anywhere from twice monthly to weekly.
- Group Connections are provided monthly to ensure families build social connections with each other and learn new ways to support their child’s development.
- Screening is done on a regular basis for each child’s health and developmental progress.
- Resource and Referral Network connects families to needed resources, strengthening protective factors and fostering positive change.
First Steps PAT programs measure progress through pre/post assessments of parenting skills using the Keys to Interactive Parenting Scale (KIPS) and the Adult-Child Interactive Reading Inventory (ACIRI).
PAT Outcomes
- Increase parent knowledge of child 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
