Why Invest in Parents as Teachers?

This fact sheet profiles the Parents as Teachers program, an evidence-based home visiting approach that builds strong families and promotes positive parent-child interaction so children are healthy, safe, and ready to learn. Findings from a 2004 study on the benefits and costs of prevention and early intervention programs are shared and indicate Parents as Teachers had the largest benefit per dollar of cost ($1.23) of all reviewed pre-kindergarten education programs for children up to age 3. Goals of the Parent as Teachers program are explained and include: enhance parent knowledge of child development and improve parenting practices; increase early detection of developmental delays and health issues; promote safe and healthy relationships to prevent child abuse and neglect; and improve school readiness and school success. Accomplishments of the Parents as Teacher program in reaching these goals are discussed. 13 references.