Parents As Teachers Initiative

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

The Carroll County Local Management Board developed and implemented Parents as Teachers (PAT) Initiative across early childhood agencies beginning in the fiscal year 2008. The target population is parents with children, birth to 5-years old, residing in Carroll County, Maryland with the result being that children enter school ready to learn. In the fiscal year 2009, the PAT Initiative provided parent education and support to 363 families with 521 children. Twelve childcare providers served an additional 62 children. Ninety-six percent (96%) of the participants were satisfied with the services received. Ninety-five percent (95%) of the participants increased their developmental skill and knowledge. Mental health training and consultation were integrated into the PAT Initiative to address social-emotional development and behavior concerns expressed by PAT educators and families. Partners in this early childhood program include Carroll County Local Management Board, Catholic Charities Head Start, Human Services Programs Family Center, Carroll County Public Library, Carroll County Public Schools, the Judy Center, and the Carroll County Youth Service Bureau, Inc. The PAT Initiative utilizes multiple funding streams through state and local funding.