- Ferguson-Florissant School District
- Overview

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Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a FREE family education and support program that begins prenatally and extends through age five. In PAT, parents are supported by certified parent educators who use the Foundational and Model Implementation curriculum that translates scientific information on early brain development into concrete suggestions on ways to teach and nurture your child. PAT is available to ALL families who choose to participate.
Benefits of PAT
In the first few years, children learn more and at a faster pace than at any other time in life. Through PAT, parents acquire knowledge and skills to make the most of these crucial, early learning years. The program provides timely information on child development and neuroscience research; involves you in parent-child activities that encourage language development, intellectual growth, social development and motor skills; and strengthens your relationship with your child.
PAT Families Receive...
Personal visits which are the heart of the PAT program. A PAT-certified parent educator, trained in child development and educated in the latest brain research on early learning, helps parents understand what to expect as their child grows. Practical suggestions on encouraging learning and managing challenging behavior, are offered.
Group meetings that allow parents to meet with other parents to gain new insights, share experiences and discuss parenting topics.
Screenings administered periodically by a parent educator, that assess your child's overall development, as well as health, hearing and vision.
Connections with community resources that link families to services that are beyond the scope of PAT.