North Carolina Parents as Teachers

04/25/2025

From Surviving to Thriving: A Parent Leader’s Journey

Two years ago, a mother of twins joined the Parents as Teachers program during one of the hardest seasons of her life. She was navigating a divorce and facing the challenge of parenting on her own for the first time.

One of the first ways we were able to support her was by providing pack-n-plays—giving her twins a safe place to sleep and offering her peace of mind in a time of major transition. But the support didn’t stop with resources. From our earliest visits, it was clear she was eager to learn, grow, and give her children the best possible start.

She actively engaged in every activity we introduced, asked thoughtful questions, and always wanted more handouts to practice new parenting skills between visits. Her hunger for knowledge and connection stood out.

Recognizing her potential, we invited her to join our newly formed Parent Leadership Council. Since then, she has been a cornerstone of the group—offering feedback, generating ideas, and helping shape the future of our parent programming.

This mom’s journey is a powerful reminder of what happens when parents are given the right support at the right time. Today, she’s not only confident in her parenting—she’s leading and inspiring others.

Her joy has returned, her voice is strong, and her impact is lasting.

04/24/2025

Helping Children Thrive, One Visit at a Time: Clark’s Story

When Becky joined the Parents as Teachers program in 2022, her son Clark had just turned 2. Born prematurely, Becky wanted to make sure he stayed on track with his growth and development—and she was ready to do whatever it took.
In those early days, Clark wasn’t speaking, and his motor skills were significantly delayed. But what stood out most was Becky’s dedication. Each month during our home visits, she not only read the handouts I brought but also shared how she was actively applying the ideas in her daily parenting.

Together, we focused on supporting Clark’s development step by step. I provided resources for speech therapy, and gave Becky activities to use between visits to help him practice important skills. And the results? Nothing short of incredible.
Today, Clark is 4 years old. He speaks clearly, has a rich vocabulary, and has completely caught up in his motor development. From those first visits to where he is now, it’s been amazing to watch him grow—and to see how the support of Parents as Teachers has empowered Becky to be her child’s first and most important teacher.

This is what home visiting is all about—supporting parents, nurturing growth, and celebrating progress, every step of the way.

04/23/2025

What Happens During a Personal Visit with Parents as Teachers?

Personal visits are at the heart of the Parents as Teachers® (PAT) program—and they’re designed with you and your family in mind. Whether in your home, a comfortable alternate location, or virtually, each visit is tailored to meet your unique needs and goals.

🕐 Visits last about 60 minutes and can be scheduled weekly, biweekly, or monthly depending on your preferences.

During each visit, our certified Parent Educators partner with you to:
✅ Share research-based information
✅ Use evidence-based practices
✅ Reflect with you on your parenting journey
✅ Support your family’s overall well-being

Using the PAT curriculum in culturally sensitive and personalized ways, we focus on three core areas:
🔹 Parent-Child Interaction – Engaging activities that promote bonding and developmental growth
🔹 Development-Centered Parenting – Linking parenting strategies to your child’s milestones
🔹 Family Well-Being – Addressing important topics like health, nutrition, sleep, safety, transitions, and more

Each visit covers at least one key topic, such as:

Attachment
Discipline
Sleep routines
Healthy births
And much more

When families feel supported, children thrive—and that’s what PAT is all about. 💙

Interested in learning more or scheduling a visit? Send us a message or reach out today!

04/23/2025

From Uncertainty to Confidence: Suzy’s Journey Through Home Visiting
When Suzy became a first-time mother in April 2019, she was navigating more than just parenthood—she was adjusting to life in a new country, facing unexpected hardships, and raising her son, James, on her own.
Originally from Ghana, Suzy had moved to the U.S. the year before to marry. But when she became pregnant, her husband gave her an impossible choice. Suzy chose her child—and was left to raise him alone for the first several months of his life.
Our first home visit together in June 2019 was the beginning of a relationship built on trust and support. I noticed Suzy trying to soothe her fussy newborn by blowing gently on his head—something she’d seen other African women do but wasn’t sure why. I offered to hold him and began gently swaying, helping him fall asleep. Suzy watched and asked, “Can you show me how to do that?”
That moment opened the door to deeper conversations about nurturing, attachment, and the emotional needs of young children. Together, we explored how to support her son’s development—physically, emotionally, and socially.
Over the next two years, Suzy embraced every opportunity to learn. We worked through developmental milestones, explored activities to support language and motor skills, and discussed ways to foster a healthy father-son bond when her husband returned. We also navigated systems that once felt overwhelming—like immigration, Early Head Start applications, and parental rights.
Today, Suzy is thriving. She’s working full-time at a local UPS store and recently received a full scholarship to pursue her CNA certification. Her confidence has returned, and her smile says it all. Little James is now a curious, energetic two-year-old who loves books, his pedal car, and playing catch with his mom.
This is the power of home visiting: helping families build confidence, overcome challenges, and grow—together.

04/22/2025

WOW - A huge thank you for our Parents as Teachers Parent Educators across the state. You are impacting our communities one family at a time! Bravo!!

04/22/2025

Real Impact. Real Families.

When Claudia enrolled in our home visiting program with her 10-month-old daughter, Elena, she was determined to parent differently this time around.
She shared with her Parent Educator, “I didn’t know much the first time around. This time, I want all the support I can get.”

At the beginning, Elena was significantly behind in her gross motor milestones. Claudia and her husband were so focused on keeping her safe that she had limited opportunities to move and explore. Through regular visits, screenings, and support, Claudia and her Educator created a safe, engaging space for Elena to grow. They also connected her with physical therapy services.

In just a few months, Elena made incredible progress. She went from barely moving to crawling, pulling up, walking, and now running and climbing just like other children her age. She no longer needs physical therapy.

But the transformation didn’t stop there. Claudia has become a leader in her community—helping connect other families to programs and resources. She now serves on the PAT advisory council, works part-time, and has set personal goals to learn English and get her driver’s license.

This is what home visiting does. It supports children. It empowers parents. It strengthens communities.

04/29/2024

Every child deserves a nurturing and safe environment to grow and thrive. Parents as Teachers play a crucial role in promoting child well-being, with studies showing a 50% reduction in suspected cases of abuse and neglect among participating families. 💙 Research and Results - Parents as Teachers

04/24/2024

04/22/2024

Parents as Teachers = decreased parenting stress!💙