Parents as Teachers (PAT) for Families with Low Incomes: A Collaborative Approach for Children Birth to Three

Abstract

The Early Childhood Development Act of 1984 mandated that every school district in Missouri provide Parents as Teachers services to families with children birth to age 5. In 2003-04, a total of 45% of families in Missouri who had children birth to age 5 received PAT services; 46% of Missouri families with children birth to age 3 received services. PAT is a program for all families with young children, but districts are able to provide more home visits to families with high needs. The Columbia Public Schools dramatically improved the rate of participation in the Parents as Teachers program in low-income families.