Welcome to Parents as Teachers

  • Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a nationally recognized early learning program that promotes the optimal early development, learning and health of children by supporting and engaging their parents and caregivers. Parents as Teachers believes you are your child’s first and most influential teacher. The Parents as Teachers program began in Missouri in 1985 and is now in every school district across Missouri.  

    Maplewood Richmond Heights is committed to the community by connecting, engaging and supporting families. Services are provided prenatally through kindergarten entry, free of charge, and include: 

    • Home visits

    • Group connections, where kids play with peers and connect with other families 

    • Vision, hearing and development screenings

    • Links to informal resources and community services

    Enrollment in the PAT program is ongoing. Please complete the form linked below, and an agent will contact you or call 314-256-4562 if you have questions about the process.

    PAT - Interested In Enrolling Form

    Who We Are

    Kate Baker, Parent Educator

    Hello MRH families! I am Kate Baker and I am so excited to join MRH as one of the new parent educators with Parents as Teachers.  I have two young children of my own. My background is in early childhood where I taught Montessori preschool for ten years. One of my favorite aspects of being a teacher was the partnership with parents in their child’s development and education. I’m looking forward to building relationships with you and guiding and empowering you to be your child’s first teacher! 

    Alison Yee, Parent Educator

    Hello MRH families!  My name is Alison Yee and I am happy to serve as a parent educator for Maplewood Richmond Heights. This is my first year with MRH. Most recently, I have been a stay-at-home mom to my two children. Prior to that, I served in several positions aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of children and families. I am a St. Louis native and after spending some time on the east coast, I am enjoying being back and building new roots here with my own family. I am passionate about supporting parents as they navigate early childhood. I look forward to getting to know your family!

    Dr. Stephanie Bechard, Federal and State Programs Coordinator/PAT Supervisor

    Hello MRH Families!  I am very excited to support the PAT program. I have been supervising PAT programs for nine years in various districts and have been involved in PAT as a parent. I have three children of my own and found that PAT was a valuable support and resource for my family. Prior to supporting MRH, I served as a principal at both the early childhood and elementary levels. I cannot wait to meet everyone and begin supporting families!

    Visit the Parents as Teachers National Center

    Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrhparentsasteachers/

    Contact the MRH PAT Team

Research: PAT Improves Outcomes for Youngsters

  • A research paper was recently published in the Early Childhood Research Quarterly that shows participation in the Missouri Parents as Teachers (PAT) Parent Education Program is positively associated with third-grade math and English language arts proficiency. This research contributes to the literature on the importance of home visiting programs and is one of the few studies examining the effects of a voluntary, universal parent education program.

    “The PAT program celebrated 40 years last week and has an incredible history with the dedicated work of founder Mildred Winter, our department, and lawmakers starting PAT in every school district in Missouri,” said Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger. “Quality early learning opportunities are crucial to ensure Missouri children are set up for success, and home visiting programs like Missouri Parents as Teachers Parent Education Programs are one of the many ways families can work to prepare their students for kindergarten.”

    Overall, these results point to the positive effect that the Missouri PAT Parent Education Program has on improving outcomes for children — in particular, the increased likelihood of children achieving a proficient score on Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) tests and the increased likelihood of children receiving individualized education program (IEP) services earlier. They also point to the important cost saving benefits of PAT participation for school districts through improved attendance rates in grades K-3 and a decreased likelihood of students having to repeat grades. Children who received more PAT visits typically showed better outcomes than their peers who received fewer visits.

PAT Resources