"All Children will learn, grow and develop to realize their full potential."

 "Having someone take the time to talk with me, one-on-one, about parenting makes me feel useful, needed and very necessary!"

 Being a parent is hard work. 

In the first few years, children learn more and at a faster pace than at any other time in life. You help shape your child's future through the kind of experiences you provide. Your baby was born to learn, and as a parent, you are your child's first and most important teacher. 

Parents as Teachers is here to help you. 

Parent as Teachers is a parent education and family support program serving families throughout pregnancy until their child enters kindergarten, usually age 5. 

Parents are supported by Parents as Teachers-certified parent educators trained to translate scientific information on early brain development into specific when, what, how and why advice for families. By understanding what to expect during each stage of development, parents can easily capture the teachable moment in everyday life to enhance their child's language development, intellectual growth, social development and motor skills.

 As a Parent as Teachers family, you receive.

  Personal visits - during which your parent educator will share age-appropriate child development and parenting information, help you learn to observe your child, and address your parenting concerns.

  Parent group meetings - which are opportunities to share information about parenting issues and child development. Parents learn and support each other, observe their children with other children and practice parenting skills.

  Screenings- to assess your child's overall development as well as health, hearing and vision.

  Resource network - that links your family to other community services.

Independent evaluations show Parents as Teachers works!

Children

        At age 3 are significantly more advanced in language, social development, problem solving and other cognitive abilities than comparison children.

        Score higher on kindergarten readiness tests and on standardized measure of achievement in early grades.

Parents

  Are more involved in their children's schooling.

  Are more confident in their parenting role and read more to their children.

What do other parents say about Parents as Teachers

"I have learned so much about the way my child's brain works and body functions.I look forward to the years ahead because I know our son will continue to learn and excel."

"I am a mother of two and I wish when I had my first child there was such a program. With this program, I have learned to interact more with both of my children. I support this program completely.

"I found the program to be a unique and helpful place where I can come with questions about children's development. It has also made me more aware of what's out there in the community."

"Our son is 16 months of age and sometime he like to throw a temper tantrum. The information that our Parent as Teacher parent educator shared with us helped us understand how to handle this situation when it arises."

About Parents as Teachers!

Thousands of Parent as Teachers sites can be found nationwide.local programs working with parent to provide them with parenting support and information on their developing child. Parents as Teachers was designed to foster strong, loving relationships between parent and their children.

Newaygo County Parents as Teachers (231) 652-3629

Family Health Care (231) 689-6447