Children's Service Society

What is PAT?

"PAT has helped me become aware of my child's development and how important it is to encourage and cultivate that development. I realize that I am a teacher, and no one can replace the influence that I can have. This is the greatest resource I have found as a young parent. The lessons PAT teaches will only help you as a parent and give you support - something we ALL need!" Parent in Vernal, Utah

Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a parent education and family support program serving families throughout pregnancy until their child enters kindergarten, usually age 5.

Parents are supported by PAT-certified parent educators trained to translate scientific 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. As a PAT family, you receive:

• Personal visits -- during which your 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 -- which are opportunities to share information about parenting issues and child development. Parents learn and support each other, observe their children with other children and practice parenting skills.
• Screenings -- to assess your child's overall development as well as health, hearing and vision.
• Resource network -- that links your family to other community services.

More about Parents as Teachers

Thousands of Parents as Teachers sites can be found nationwide...local programs working with parents to provide them with parenting support and information on their developing child. Parents as Teachers is designed to foster strong, loving relationships between parents and their children.

You and your baby deserve the support Parents as Teachers offers. Give your child the best possible start in life because your baby was born to learn! To find a program near you, access the "Find a Program" section on this Web site or contact Utah Parents as Teachers at 801-326-4411.