Parents As Teachers

In the first few years of life, children learn more and at a faster pace than at any other time in life. Infants are born learners and parents are first and foremost, the most important teacher.  

Parents As Teachers (PAT) is a voluntary parent education and family support program for Union families who have children from birth to three years of age.  Parents are supported by PAT-certified parent educators who are knowledgeable about child development and brain research on early learning.  By understanding what to expect during each stage of development, parents can easily capture teachable moments in everyday life to enhance their child's language development, intellectual growth, social development and motor skills.

Union partners with CAP Tulsa to provide resources.

Benefits

PAT families have access to:

• Personal visits – This is a time in which the parent educator will share age-appropriate child development and parenting information, helping the parent understand each stage of a child's development as well as practical tips on ways to encourage early learning.
• Group meetings – Meetings allow parents to get together, to gain new insights and to share their experiences, common concerns, and successes.  Relevant parenting topics are discussed and shared, as well as an opportunity to participate in parent-child activities. 
• Screenings – Screenings are offered periodically to gage a child's overall development.  The goal is to provide early detection of potential problems to prevent difficulties later in school.
• Resource network - PAT helps families link with other community services and providers as needed.