| Agency: | NC Parents as Teachers Network |
| Agency Provides: | Scheduled trainings, Training by request, Technical assistance |
| Description: | Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a voluntary family education and support program for parents of young children. The program is based on the beliefs that parents are their children's first and most influential teachers and that the early years lay the foundation for children's success in school and in life.
PAT provides the information, support and encouragement parents need to help their children develop optimally during the crucial early years of life.
The PAT model focuses on families with children from before birth to kindergarten entry, and includes these four components:
* Personal/home visits by certified parent educators
* Parent group meetings about early childhood development and parenting
* Developmental and health screenings for young children
* Linkages and referrals to community networks and resources
NC Parents as Teachers Network provides the training, technical assistance, professional development and support for existing and new PAT programs in North Carolina. |
| Target Audience: | Parenting educators |
| Website: | www.ncpat.org |
| Quality Standards: | NC PAT Network is recognized by the Parents as Teachers National Center (PATNC) as the State Leader Office for Parents as Teachers in North Carolina.
PATNC requires that all PAT program parent educators attend the PATNC Born to Learn Prenatal to Three Institute and use the research-based Born to Learn Curriculum. NC PAT Network includes 3 nationally certified PAT trainers that provide at least 3 Born to Learn Prenatal to Three Institutes and one Born to Learn Three to Kindergarten Entry training annually.
PAT parent educators are required to maintain their certification through continued professional development and minimum service delivery requirements. NC PAT Network provides professional development opportunities through statewide meetings, regional networks, and partnering with other statewide conferences to ensure all parent educators have access to appropriate continuing education.
PATNC provides additional supplemental curricula and training to expand the knowledge base and skills of PAT parent educators. PATNC curricula are reviewed and revised to ensure the latest information in child development and neuroscience research in the curricula. NC PAT Network encourages use of supplemental curricula and hosts at least one PATNC training a year in North Carolina.
PATNC has established Quality Standards and a self-assessment process to ensure best practice. NC PAT Network provides technical assistance to new programs, programs implementing self-assessment, and assisting program with program management and service delivery issues using the quality standards as the blueprint for best practice.
PATNC requires all PAT programs to submit an Annual Program Report that includes data on family demographics and services provided. NC PAT Network processes and approves the reports for PATNC and maintains a state database containing the data collected.
PAT is an evidence-based program shown to
* 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 |
| Trainings Posted: | PAT Born to Learn 3-K Institute
PAT Born to Learn Prenatal -Three Institute
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