PHD announces Parents as Teachers program

Panhandle Health District has announced they are now accepting clients for the Parents as Teachers program that will begin this October. Parents as Teachers is an international non-profit organization that promotes optimal early development, learning and health of young children by supporting and engaging their parents and caregivers. The Health District has trained employees and is recognized as an official affiliate to operate the program.

“Parents as Teachers is a program we feel will greatly benefit parents and caregivers in our area,” said Cindi Richardson, Panhandle Health District program manager. “Parents are children’s first teachers and through this program we can give parents the tools and resources to understand their child’s development.”

Panhandle Health District’s Parents as Teachers program will serve families from prenatal up to 3 years old. That is the only requirement to join the program and it is completely free to participate. The program is designed to provide parents with information and guidance to enhance their children’s intellectual, language, social and physical development. Participants in the program can expect to receive home visits from a certified parent educator who will offer timely, age-appropriate information on how parents can encourage development, discuss any concerns and share fun activities to help prepare children for school.

Clients can also participate in Group Connections. The Group Connections are a chance for parents to connect with other parents who have children around the same age.

“The Group Connections are beneficial for the parents as well as the children,” said Richardson. “The children can play with each other and the parents can connect and provide support for each other. It’s a win-win for both!”

Founded in Missouri in 1984, Parents as Teachers serves more than 195,000 children in all 50 U.S. states, more than 100 Tribal organizations, schools and communities, five other countries and one U.S. territory. Panhandle Health District plans to begin their program this October and is seeking participants.

To learn more, visit www.panhandlehealthdistrict.org or call Cindi Richardson, Parents as Teachers program manager, at Panhandle Health District at 208-415-5298.