WELCOME TO THE USD 231 PARENTS AS TEACHERS PROGRAM
CHILDREN DO NOT COME WITH INSTRUCTIONS. PARENTS AS TEACHERS (PAT) CAN HELP.
Call Julie Wootton at (913) 856-3035 or complete the online enrollment form.
OUR VISION
All children will learn, grow, and develop to realize their full potential
OUR MISSION
To provide information, support, and encouragement parents need to help their children develop optimally during the crucial early years of life.
PAT is a fun, free, early learning program for USD 231 parents with children birth to 3 years of age. All parents want to be good parents, and everyone deserves support in the challenging role of parenting. PAT is here to provide the information, support, and encouragement parents need to help their children develop optimally during the crucial early years of life. Our program provides a curriculum with established and emerging research-based information designed to promote parent knowledge of early childhood development and best parenting practices while understanding family culture and traditions. If you would like support capturing early learning windows of opportunity so your child starts school ready to succeed, call or enroll today!
PAT SERVICES
PERSONAL HOME VISITS
The purpose of home visiting is to support your role as a parent. A certified parent educator will provide a curriculum that is individualized and strength-based for your family. Visits are focused on parent-child interaction, development-centered parenting, and family well-being. Visits are designed to help parents understand each stage of their child's development and offer practical tips and activities to encourage learning. Visits are scheduled approximately every 4 weeks and are about 45-60 minutes long.
DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENINGS
Screenings can help parents identify any potential concerns before they become an obstacle to a child's development. If additional help is needed, PAT staff will provide referrals to the appropriate resource. Screens can be done during home visits or per parent request. Children are screened for hearing, vision, language, motor skills, intellectual and social development. If you have a concern about your child's development and would like your child to receive a developmental screening, contact Julie Wootton at 913-856-3035.
RESOURCE NETWORK
The program connects families to needed resources and takes an active role in the community, establishing ongoing relationships with other organizations that serve children and families. See some commonly requested resources in the left-hand column under PAT RESOURCES.
PLAYGROUPS
Playgroups are offered at the PAT playroom at Nike Elementary, 19500 S. Gardner Rd. Park in the back school parking lot. There is a play area with a white fence. Come inside the fence, and the playroom is the second door. Playgroups are a wonderful time for children to have opportunities to practice their social and emotional skills. Parents follow their child's lead in play and meet other parents with your children. See the Calendar of Events for specific times and dates under PAT RESOURCES.
IF USD 231 CANCELS SCHOOL DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER, ALL PAT PLAYGROUPS AND GROUP MEETINGS WILL BE CANCELLED.
PROGRAM CONTACTS
Julie Wootton, PAT Coordinator/Educator, (913) 856-3035, Email woottonj@usd231.com
Kelly Easton, Parent Educator, (913) 856-3065, Email: eastonk@usd231.com
Amber Hildreth, Parent Educator, (913) 856-3064, Email: hildretha@usd231.com
Cheri Knighton, Parent Educator, (913) 856-3073, Email: knightond@usd231.com
Juliana Lemos, Parent Educator, (913) 856-3031, Email: lemosj@usd231.com
Therese Leochner, Parent Educator, (913) 856-3041, Email: leochnert@usd231.com
Parents as Teachers Center is located at the Nike Elementary School, 19500 S. Gardner Road, Gardner, KS
