Parents as Teachers

The School District U-46 Parents as Teachers (PAT) program offers a variety of free, yet valuable resources for parents of children from the ages of birth to 5 years. Among the services offered through the program are personal home visits, developmental screenings, parenting information sessions, and drop-in play groups at several U-46 schools.

The PAT program is funded by the Illinois State Board of Education, federal grants and School District U-46. At this time there is no cost to parents for the services.

Home visits are conducted by a certified parent educator who will discuss with parents the child's stages of growth and expected skill level. Literacy activities developed by U-46 preschool teachers may also be made available.

The program offers developmental screenings that can also be done at the home and are usually completed once a year for children enrolled in the program. The screenings are a quick check of development in the five different areas of language skills, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, problem-solving skills and personal/social skills. Parents can receive confirmation that their child appears on target or that additional help or testing may be necessary. At the age of three, the U-46 PAT screening can be used as the screening that is required to enter the U-46 preschool program.

The drop-in play groups are hosted at several area schools Monday through Friday. Books and other toys are provided in a safe play environment, and the time allows parents to connect with one another. There is no advance registration required, and there is no fee. Parents and children can participate infrequently or at several drop-in groups through the week.

The U-46 program maintains a phone line at 847-888-5000 x7190 or x5170 to answer parent and community questions regarding the available services and the schedule for activities and parenting sessions. Interested parents may also call the number and request to be put on the newsletter mailing list.