Who is eligible to participate? The PAT (Parents as Teachers) program is available FREE to ALL families living in Duneland School District who are expecting a child or have a child/children, birth up to kindergarten entry.

What is the enrollment fee?  There is NO charge to families for any of the services the PAT program has to offer. This is a FREE opportunity to learn more about how to maximize your child's potential.

When should I enroll? You will want to enroll as soon as possible! Babies learn from before birth and their early childhood experiences lay the foundation for a LIFETIME of success in school and beyond!

Why should I enroll?  You are the first and most influential teacher for your child. A tremendous amount of learning takes place before a child ever enters school. You can learn meaningful and valuable strategies in order to assist your child in being a life-long, successful learner.

Where does the program take place?  The program includes monthly visits, arranged with a Parent Educator, at a PAT center or in your home. Play groups, gatherings, and parent educational sessions are offered periodically at locations to be announced.

What do independent evaluations of the PAT program reveal?

• By the age of three, PAT children are significantly more advanced in language, problem solving, cognitive abilities and social development than the non-PAT children they were compared with.
• PAT children score higher on kindergarten readiness and standardized achievement tests in the early grades.
• PAT parents display confidence in their parenting role.
• PAT parents are more involved in their children's schooling which is KEY to child's success in school.

As a PAT Family, what will I receive?

• A monthly newsletter with timely articles on parenting issues, child development, and kindergarten readiness information.
• A monthly center or home visit by a certified parent educator that includes age appropriate activities for the child and an opportunity for parents to discuss concerns and issues on a one-to-one basis with a trained professional.
• Research-based parenting handouts on the stages of a child's development and reasonable expectations along with ideas about seizing the "teachable moment" with your child.
• Play/group activities that encourage learning and socialization.
• Periodic screenings of your child to assess overall development.

You and your child deserve the support Parents As Teachers offers. Join us!