Parent as Teachers

Did you know that 80% of brain development occurs before age 3? These early years provide critical windows of opportunity that help build the foundation for your child’s life. We believe parents are their child’s first and most important teachers, and we want to make sure you have the resources and support you need to thrive. Let us help you maximize your efforts by providing information to help you understand the meaning behind your child’s behaviors, build your parent-child connection, and walk with you through parenting challenges along the way.

The Blue Valley Parents as Teachers program is a universal, free home visiting program for families residing in the Blue Valley School District with children prenatal through age 3. Through Parents as Teachers, families receive monthly home visits, screenings, group connections and resource connections.

How We Support Your Family

Home Visits

Monthly home visits are the heart of the Parents as Teachers model. Parent educators use the program’s research-based curriculum to design and deliver personalized visits to families. The goal is to empower families to create enriching and nurturing environments for their children.

There is currently no waitlist for services. Once you enroll, you will be assigned a parent educator who will reach out to schedule your first home visit. Visits typically last about an hour each month. During the visit, your parent educator will bring an enrichment activity to share with your child, along with information on topics such as development, behavior, sleep and nutrition. Parent educators work with families to tailor visits to meet each family’s unique goals.

Group Connections

Weekly playtimes are held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings, plus one Saturday and one evening each month. (See this month’s newsletter for details about registration and times.) Families are encouraged to begin participating in Group Connections as soon as they enroll. Group Connections provide opportunities for meaningful parent-child interaction, sharing developmental information with parents and connecting with other parents. Some Group Connections are open to all families, while others require registration. (Please see the most recent newsletter for details on upcoming opportunities.)

Screenings

Next Steps Program

This program for English Language Learners serves children ages 3 to 5.

Includes:

A weekly, one-hour parent-and-child class on Tuesday or Friday. One parent attends class with the child. Please make other arrangements for siblings, as they cannot attend. Classes are held at Hilltop Learning Center.
A monthly home visit with a parent educator. Visits last about one hour and take place between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. in your home.

Please fill out the questionnaire to see if this program is the right fit for your family. If you have questions, email Amy Mertz.