Parents as Teachers

The Fort Leavenworth School District (USD 207) partners with Leavenworth/Fort Leavenworth Parents as Teachers (PAT), a free parent education program. This program offers information, support, and encouragement to parents with the goal of fostering optimal child development during the early years of life.

We believe that parents are the first and most influential teachers for their children and that some of the most important learning in a child’s life takes place prior to 3 years of age. Through PAT, parents have access to certified parent educators who can provide research-based insight on the “ins” and “outs” of early brain development, access to tools, and advice for parents about what to expect during each stage of development.

Services and Supports

Personal/Home Visits: Access to a certified parent educator who is trained to provide information on what to expect as a child grows, practical suggestions on how to manage challenging behaviors, methods to encourage learning, and individualized sessions to promote language development, intellectual growth, social development, and motor skills.

Parent Group Meetings/Playgroups: Group connections are offered through weekly playgroups and occasional weekend activities. Playgroups are opportunities for parents to be intentionally together with their children. Activities are planned with the purpose of encouraging child development in language, cognitive, motor, and social skills. Each playgroup is staffed by a certified parent educator who plans activities around age-appropriate themes.

Playgroups take place at Nettie Hartnett Education Center, 1000 3rd Avenue, Leavenworth, KS 66048. To obtain the most current schedule, call the PAT office at 913-684-1450.

Developmental and Health Screenings for Young Children: Parent educators periodically administer routine screenings to assess a child’s overall development, including hearing and vision.

Linkages and Referrals to Community Networks and Resources: PAT can help link families to services in the community, such as the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), WIC, the Health Department, community events, education, and more.

Eligibility

All families with children, prenatal up to 3 years of age, living in the Fort Leavenworth School District are eligible to participate in the PAT program free of charge. As funding is available, services may extend to kindergarten age.

How to Enroll

If you reside in Leavenworth (USD453) or Fort Leavenworth (USD207) School Districts and you are pregnant or have a child under 3 years of age, please send the following information to [email protected] or call (913) 684-1450.:

• Parent (Guardian) Name
• Address
• Phone Number
• Email Address
• Child’s Name
• Child’s Date of Birth

PAT Contact Information

Leavenworth & Fort Leavenworth Parents As Teachers

913-684-1450

PAT Office Hours

For more information about these national programs, visit www.parentsasteachers.org.