Parents as Teachers
Our mission
Parents as Teachers promotes optimal early development, learning, and health for children by supporting and engaging parents and caregivers.
Our vision
All children will develop, learn, and grow to reach their full potential.
What is Parents As Teachers (PAT)?
Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a free service from Columbia Public Schools (CPS) for families with children prenatal to kindergarten entry within the Columbia Public School District. PAT can provide families with:
- Developmental and social/emotional screenings for their young children and babies.
- Private visits with a parent educator specially trained in child development.
- Connection to helpful community resources.
- Group events for parents and children such as infant massage, mindful movement, messy play night and more.
- Ideas and support during the critical early years.
Why should I participate?
As a parent, you are your child’s first teacher and your home is your child’s first classroom. Learning begins even before birth, and brain growth and development happen more rapidly during the first five years of life than at any other time. Parents As Teachers helps families build a strong foundation for a child’s success in school and life.
How can I participate with my child?
Parents As Teachers (PAT) offers the following services:
- Personalized visits: Parents As Teachers provides personalized visits from a certified parent educator who is specially trained in child development. Using the research-based Parents As Teachers Foundational Curriculum, educators partner with families to support parents in their role as their child’s first and most influential teacher.
- Group activities: Parents As Teachers hosts parent and child activities where families can connect with other parents while learning more about child development. Popular sessions include infant massage, mindful movement, messy play night, and miniature musicians. Visit the Group Events page for more information.
- Screenings: Developmental screenings provide a quick and effective way for families to understand how their child is growing and learning in areas such as health, vision, hearing, communication, motor skills, problem solving, and social and emotional development.
Interested families can contact the Parents As Teachers office at (573) 214-3955 or enroll online using the button below.
Contact Information:
Kristine Smith
Titles:
Coordinator - Parents as Teachers
Locations:
Center for Early Learning North
Email: