Parents as Teachers National Center

Parents as Teachers (PAT)

Parents as Teachers (PAT) started in St. Louis in 1984 with a simple but powerful belief—parents are their child’s first and most influential teachers. What began as a local effort has grown into a worldwide movement, equipping parents and communities with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to foster early learning and lifelong success. 

Through our Evidence-Based Home Visiting Model, PAT serves more than 225,000 children and their families annually.  Delivered by our network of affiliates, our services include personal visits, health and developmental screenings, group connections, and referrals to critical resources. From schools and hospitals to faith-based and tribal communities, we’re working to ensure that every child can thrive—no matter where they live.

As the birthplace of Parents as Teachers, Missouri has pioneered programs that became models for other states and now, the world. Our longstanding partnership with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) ensures that the state continues to lead the way in early childhood education and family engagement, with every school district benefiting from our mission. 

Your Support Changes Lives

Every child deserves a strong foundation, and every family deserves the resources to build it. Your donation helps us provide critical early childhood education and parental support to families who need it most. Together, we can empower parents, nurture children, and strengthen communities.