How Our Parents as Teachers Program Helps Support School Readiness
Our Parents as Teachers home-visiting program provides parent education and family support for children up to age five or entering kindergarten, and with school right around the corner, our parent educators work hard to promote school readiness in our families with 3 to 5 year old’s—
With several handouts along the way, the PAT program provides various activities that promote early learning opportunities in areas like play, social-emotional regulation, and pre-academic skills. Our curriculum features categories dedicated to the challenges that come with transitioning to kindergarten, including— implementation of daily routines, advocating for your child, and communicating with school staff. Following a graduation celebration at the end of the program, our parent educators can also assist families in kindergarten enrollment as well as provide community resources for Summer enrichment.
At the Erie Family Center, we are dedicated to making your child’s transition to kindergarten as smooth as possible! If you’re interested in learning more about the program, or would like to enroll, click the button below.
Parent Resource Center
All throughout Erie County, “Pay What You Can Farmer’s Markets” are providing fresh, locally grown produce to anyone in Erie County. These weekly pop-up events have started July 6th and will continue throughout early October with seven different locations. Click the button to learn more about which locations, dates, and times are most convenient to you!
End of Summer Fun
Having trouble coming up with activities for you and your kids as Summer’s coming to an end? Check out this free resource with 100 different indoor or outdoor activities for kids of all ages, and explore some new ideas you may not have thought of!
Explore the List: 100 Summer Bucket List Ideas
Community Partner Spotlight
This month we are shining the spotlight on Community Health Net. Along with being a participant in our Diaper Depot program, Community Health Net provides accessible healthcare services regardless of insurance type or ability to pay. The services include medical, dental, vision, behavioral health, pharmacy, and sports medicine across their multiple locations.
What’s Happening in your Community?
The Erie Land Lighthouse is hosting a Back-to-School Carnival on Saturday, August 22, 2026 starting at 12:00pm. This free event promotes back to school readiness with free bookbags and school supply giveaways (while supplies last). There will be outdoor family games, activities, food, and drinks. Check out the Lake Erie Lights of PA website to view their event calendar and explore future community events!
Call To Action!
We need your help! Erie Gives Day is right around the corner on Tuesday August 11th. Hosted by the Erie Community Foundation, this online giving event supports hundreds of nonprofits through your donations. Any donation counts, as community partners match your donations, making your contribution go even further to the causes you care about. Donations can be given online through the Erie Gives Portal from 12:00am to 11:59pm on the 11th. The Erie Family Center will be one of the featured nonprofits and your contributions will help us continue to provide parental education programs, essential family resources such as diapers, and continuing support of our staff and facility.
What Parents are Saying
“Erie Family Center has helped myself and my family in so many ways. Parents as Teachers has brought me and my two daughters even closer, and the Incredible Years class has helped me understand Autism a bit more, as you can always learn something. It’s like one giant family and that’s awesome.”
-Incredible Years Autism Participant
Upcoming Events
- Diaper Distribution: August 14th & 28th (10am to 12pm) at Mercy Anchor Community Center- Register Now [Must register by the Wednesday before at 8am]
- Diaper Distribution: August 26th (9am to 11am) at Corry Family Center- Register Now [Must register by Tuesday the 25th at 8am]