Parents as Teachers
Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a strong evidence based, home-visiting model that provides parent education and strength-based support to families who are Prenatal or with children up to the age of 5 (or Kindergarten entry). Certified Parent Educators bring the program to families with an emphasis on parent-child interaction, development-centered parenting, and family well-being.
We know that parents are their child’s first and most important teachers. We support families on their unique parenting journeys by helping to increase their knowledge of child development, promote positive parenting practices, provide early detection of developmental delays and health concerns, and help build the skills necessary for school readiness and success. By partnering with and empowering parents we hope that children and families grow and develop to reach their full potential.
Our PAT program is available at no cost to any family in Erie, Warren, and Crawford County. PAT is designed to serve families a wide array of services including Personal Visits, Child and Caregiver Screenings, Resource Connections, and Group Connections. PAT services are available to families with children from as early as the prenatal stage through kindergarten entry.
Program Details
Location: Bi-Weekly In-Home Visit
✓ Starts upon application acceptance
Program Goals
✓ Increase knowledge of early childhood development and improve parenting practices
✓ Provide early detection of developmental delays and health concerns
✓ Prevent child abuse and neglect
✓ Increase children's school readiness and school success
Learn more about this incredible program and how it helps build strong communities and families.
What to Expect
Personal Visits
Personalize home visits tailored to support you on your unique parenting journey.
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Resource Network
Help connecting you to community resources to help you overcome barrier to accessing services.
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Screenings
Child health and developmental screenings for early detection of developmental delays.
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Group Connections
Free opportunities to come together with other families to engage in development centered activities while connecting with other parents to learn from and support one another.
Translation Services Available
If you need help with translating any programs or content within Erie Family Center, please complete the form and a staff member will be in touch. Translations available include, but are not limited to: Spanish, Bosnian, Russian, Ukrainian, Arabic, Vietnamese, Nepali, Swahili, Somali, Burmese, Pashto & Dari.
All of our programs are funded through the PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Erie County of Children and Youth, and free to all residents of Erie County.