Address: 1423 West Atlantic Street, Springfield, MO 65803

Website: http://www.parentsasteachers.org

Business Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. following the Springfield Public Schools Calendar

Parents are supported by PAT certified parent educators trained to translate specific information on early brain development into specific when, what, how, and why advice for families. By understanding what to expect during each stage of development parents can easily capture the teachable moments in everyday life to enhance their child’s language development, intellectual growth, social development, and motor skills.

PAT is a parent education and family support program serving families throughout pregnancy until their child enters kindergarten.

Parent educators make home visits and discuss developmental stages of a child from birth until kindergarten. They perform annual developmental screenings to assess normal developmental progress or detect developmental delays. They perform vision and hearing screens annually and as needed. Literature and information is also provided to the families regarding child development and other child and parenting issues.

Initiating Referral

A parent education from Parents as Teachers program visits with each new member while she is still in the hospital and discusses the program with her. Information regarding the program is provided to obstetricians, and the organization participates in community events such as the Baby Affair to raise community awareness. PAT also receives referrals from the Division of Family Services and First Steps. To enroll a family with an infant or a child up to kindergarten age, just phone the agency.

All parent educators have a 4-year college degree in some type of early childhood education. Many have their teaching certificates. Several have their masters in early childhood education.

Any parent that wants to help their children’s growth and development from birth and prenatal care as well.

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