Embrace Positivity & Possibility
Parents as Teachers operates with a shared set of values and beliefs that define our culture, guide our conduct and inspire our success. Parents as teachers is a free and voluntary program that provides practical effective help for families residing within Alamosa, Costilla, Conejos and Saguache counties with children prenatal to kindergarten entry.
Our Vision : All Children will develop, learn, and grow to realize their full potential.
Our Mission: To promote the optimal early development, learning and health of children by supporting and engaging their parents and caregivers.
We Believe
- 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 and caregivers are their children’s first and most influential teachers.
- Established and emerging research is the foundation for caregiver 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.
We Value
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility
We seek out diverse experiences and perspectives that enrich our products, services and support. We intentionally listen to, value and learn from each other’s experiences and needs. We foster an empowering environment where everyone is able to identify and develop their skills and talents. We are dedicated to advancing equity in the rich and vibrant communities we are a part of.
Relationships
We consider our relationships with each other and with our customers, partners and stakeholders to be central to our success. We cultivate positive and supportive relationships that facilitate effective communication, meaningful collaboration and the development of valuable products and services.
Integrity & Accountability
As an organization, we have clear expectations and priorities for ourselves and for the implementation of our services. We hold ourselves to high ethical and moral standards, striving for authenticity and trustworthiness in all we do. We take initiative and ownership, following through on our commitments. We are careful stewards of the resources and responsibilities entrusted to our care, keeping our vision and mission front and center in all that we do, while making a significant impact on families and communities.
Learning & Growth
We believe that in order to thrive, we as individuals and as an organization must learn and grow on an ongoing basis. We engage in reflection and data-informed decision making at all levels of our organization. We recognize that excellence is an ongoing pursuit and, therefore, engage in continuous quality improvement throughout our organization. We are committed to providing high quality research-based, evidence-informed products and services.
How does your child learn?
As a parent, you are your child’s first and most important teacher. Your child will learn more during the early years than at any other time in life. Your child’s growth in these years will affect his or her later development and success in school.
What does PAT provide my family?
Personal Visits– A certified parent educator helps you understand each stage of your child’s development and offers practical tips on ways to encourage learning.
Group connections– PAT group connections provide times for parents to get together, to gain new insights and to share experiences, common concerns, and successes.
Developmental Screenings- PAT offers periodic screening of overall development, Language, Hearing, and vision.
Referral Network– PAT helps families link with special services or outside agencies if needed.
How can I benefit from PAT?
Research has shown that children whose parents were involved in PAT:
- Familes were significantly more advanced in language, Social Development, problem solving, and intellectual abilities.
- Scored significantly higher on standardized measures of reading and math achievement than children that were not involoved in the program.