Parents as Teachers
Recognizing that 95% of brain development occurs in the first five years of life, the Parents as Teachers program at Hickman Mills C-1 School District is dedicated to supporting families with young children from prenatal to age five. Through personalized home visits featuring a research-based curriculum, families receive tailored support and guidance to enhance their child's early development. Group connection activities foster a sense of community and shared learning experiences, while comprehensive developmental and health screenings ensure that children receive the necessary support for optimal growth. Additionally, families benefit from access to research-based resources and information, empowering them to make informed decisions and provide a nurturing environment conducive to their child's overall well-being and success.
Responsibilities & Services
· Personal Home & Virtual Visits: Our certified Parent Educators conduct personalized home visits or virtual visits with families, tailored to meet their unique needs. These visits occur regularly, ranging from as often as four times per year to monthly, depending on the family's requirements. During these sessions, Parent Educators provide support, guidance, and resources to enhance parenting skills and promote child development.
· Monthly Group Connection Events: Families have the opportunity to connect with each other and participate in interactive parent-child activities, parent education nights, and small group discussions through our Monthly Group Connection Events. These events, held regularly throughout the school year, offer a supportive community environment where families can share experiences, learn from one another, and strengthen their parenting skills.
· Developmental Screenings: Annual developmental screenings are provided for children ages 6 months to 5 years to assess their language, cognitive, motor, and social-emotional development, as well as hearing, vision, dental, and overall health. These screenings help identify any developmental concerns early on and ensure that children receive the necessary support and interventions to thrive.
· Network Resources: Our Parent Educators serve as a valuable resource hub, connecting families with a wide range of resources to meet their diverse needs. From further testing or evaluations for developmental concerns to assistance with clothing, food, financial support, and recommendations for family outings, our network resources aim to support families in all aspects of their lives.