Parents as Teachers Project...

A priority benchmark in Benton County has been to reduce child abuse. Among the leading causes of child abuse are the lack of supportive services for families and a lack of parental knowledge regarding childcare and child development. Between 2004 and 2005, approximately 41% of all births in Benton County were to first-time parents. Families of first born children often need guidance regarding healthy child-rearing practices, but frequently do not have adequate access to parenting education resources or the knowledge of where to find such resources.

The National Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse found a correlation between parent education and the likelihood of the occurrence of child abuse. The conclusion is that the more education a family has on parenting, the less likely they are to abuse or neglect their child.

Parents as Teachers (PAT) is an internationally known evidence-based program that specializes in information to guide parent education. For the past 10 years, PAT has excelled in promoting child development and school achievement through parent education and family support. The PAT National Center, Inc. has developed up-to-date curricula with day-to- day information and activities that parents can use as support and knowledge in healthy child rearing. The PAT program is delivered to families by early childhood professionals, trained and certified as PAT educators.

Research shows that child maltreatment occurs due to lack of supportive services for families, lack of knowledge regarding childcare and child development, and lack of knowledge about parenting. Research also shows that improving parenting skills is associated with positive child rearing practices within a family. In addition, knowledge of positive parenting skills may lower the parents' stress level, resulting in developing a healthy family. These goals are addressed through the PAT program, including creative ways to motivate parents on how to raise healthy families, and helpful ideas for parents to become more involved with their family and enhance their parenting skills.

When parents have stable structure in their family, stress levels are reduced resulting in reduced child maltreatment. Research also shows that a parent's lack of knowledge in child rearing may lead to stress, which in turn may lead to child maltreatment. By teaching parents effective strategies for child rearing and helping them to become connected to their community for resources and assistance, stress levels will likely be reduced. Weekly visits from staff will continually introduce parents to new ideas, keeping them continuously involved in a healthy family lifestyle.

When parents become more knowledgeable about child development, an understanding of their children is increased. By understanding their children, parents will implement better parenting methods. Ultimately, the Parents as Teachers curriculum will enhance the knowledge and skills of Benton County's first- time parents, decrease the incidents of child abuse, and contribute to the development of safe children and strong families.

The PAT program will be delivered through Benton County Healthy Start, a community- based collaborative program available to first- time parents to combat child abuse through parent education. The community partners include Old Mill Center, Samaritan Regional Health Services, Parent Enhancement Program, and Benton County Commission on Children and Families with Old Mill delivering the services directly to Benton County families of firstborn children.