Parents as Teachers

Parents as Teachers is the overarching program philosophy of providing parents with child development knowledge and parenting support. The organizational vehicle for delivering that knowledge and support is Parents as Teachers National Center. The National Center drives that philosophy, or mission, through four program areas: Born to Learn, Professional Development, Meld and Advocacy. All of these program areas work through a strong network of state leaders and partners. The four-part intervention model known as Born to Learn delivers its mission-based program through intermediaries (parent educators) to the ultimate recipients (parents), while Professional Development is delivered directly to end users (professionals). Meld is a facilitated group model that draws on peer support. Advocacy works through both public and private sectors to promote positive policies for young families. Although several vehicles are used to implement the mission-based programs, the network is an organized affiliation of many organizations and people with a common mission. This combination of delivery vehicles allows the National Center to have the greatest and broadest impact.