Parent Trust for Washington Children

The Parents As Teachers Program: Fostering strong, loving relationships between parents and their children.
Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a parent education and family support program serving families throughout pregnancy until their child turns three, or until kindergarten entry. Parents are supported individually by PAT-certified parent educators to translate scientific information on brain and child development into specific when, what, how and why advice regarding their child or children.	By understanding what to expect during each stage of development, parents are prepared to deal with challenging behaviors and can easily capture the teachable moments in everyday life to enhance their child's: language development intellectual growth social development motor skills

Personal Visits. During regularly scheduled, individualized visits, the parent educator will share age-appropriate child development and parenting information, help you learn to observe your child, and address your parenting concerns.	Parent Group Meetings. Opportunities to learn and share information about common concerns and successes, observe their children with other children, and practice parenting skills. .	Developmental Screenings. Regular formal developmental and health, vision, and hearing checks to ensure children are on track for school and life, are a part of the Parents As Teachers program.
Resource Network. Families are helped to access other needed community services that are beyond the scope of the PAT program.	Professional Development. PAT sites in Washington can receive technical assistance through phone consultations, site visits, and a variety of trainings on different topics. For more info, contact kzeisel@parenttrust.org	National Center Parent Trust for Washington Children is the state office for Parents as Teachers National. The National Center can be found at Parents As Teachers National and offers information for both parents and professionals.