Parents as Teachers

Parents as Teachers is the overarching program philosophy of providing parents with child development knowledge and parenting support. The organizational vehicle for delivering that knowledge and support is Parents as Teachers National Center.

The National Center drives that philosophy, or mission, through four program areas: Born to Learn, Professional Development, Meld and Advocacy. All of these program areas work through a strong network of state leaders and partners.

The four-part intervention model known as Born to Learn delivers its mission-based program through intermediaries (parent educators) to the ultimate recipients (parents), while Professional Development is delivered directly to end users (professionals). Meld is a facilitated group model that draws on peer support. Advocacy works through both public and private sectors to promote positive policies for young families.

Although several vehicles are used to implement the mission-based programs, the network is an organized affiliation of many organizations and people with a common mission. This combination of delivery vehicles allows the National Center to have the greatest and broadest impact.

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Vision
All children will learn, grow and develop to realize their full potential.

Mission
To provide the information, support and encouragement parents need to help their children develop optimally during the crucial early years of life.

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Program Goals

Increase parent knowledge of early childhood development and improve parenting practices
Provide early detection of developmental delays and health issues
Prevent child abuse and neglect
Increase children's school readiness and school success

Core Values

The early years of a child's life are critical for optimal development and provide the foundation for success in school and in life.
Parents are their children's first and most influential teachers.
Established and emerging research should be the foundation of parent education and family support curricula, training, materials and services.
All young children and their families deserve the same opportunities to succeed, regardless of any demographic, geographic or economic considerations.
An understanding and appreciation of the history and traditions of diverse cultures is essential in serving families.

Awards and Recognitions

Cited by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as noteworthy prevention program and effective strategy for preventing child maltreatment (2004).
Recipient of the FOCUS St. Louis "What's Right with the Region" award for Creating Quality Educational Opportunities (2004).
Listed as one of the "10 Children Charities That Deserve Your Support" by Parents magazine (2003).
Designated one of America's 100 best charities by Worth magazine (2001).
Recipient of the first "Spirit of Children Award" from the St. Louis Pediatric Society (2000).
Designated as a "model" family strengthening program by Strengthening America's Families Project, in collaboration with the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (1999).
Recipient of the New York Festivals Award for the video component of the Born to Learn™ Curriculum for excellence in international communications media (1998).