Face-to-Face 2020-2021 PLC Registration OPEN. Click here.

Summer, Fall, and Spring 2020-2021 Virtual Professional Development Registration OPEN. Click here.

FREE ONLINE SIX PART SERIES: Trauma and Resilience Training. Click here for more information.

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FACE-TO-FACE PAT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 2020-2021, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)

Due to concerns with the COVID-19 pandemic, face-to-face Parents as Teachers Professional Learning Communities will look different this year.

COVID-19 issues continue to evolve in some parts of the state and securing locations that provide safety for attendees, facilitators and staff is and will be our highest priority. Because of the safety factors involved, PLC locations throughout the state have been reduced. There is also reduced capacity for attendance at each session. When registering, please be considerate of your ability to attend the session. Please do not register for the session unless you are sure that you will be in attendance. If you cannot attend after registering, please email pharrison@missouripat.org and cancel your registration. This would allow for others to attend.

We will be following the guidance recommendations of the state of Missouri and the county of the sessions for safety measures. At each session, attendees will need to follow these safety procedures as recommended: bring your own face covering and wear as directed, use hand sanitizer when entering the facility, receive a temperature check, social distance during the session, and other precautions as indicated by the facility. Specific procedures will be shared with enrolled participants prior to the session.

Please watch the missouripat.org website for cancellation of sessions or additional guidance as the date of your session approaches.

**NOTE: Pre-registration will be a MUST for every face-to-face session this year. There will be no “walk in” registrations accepted due to possible COVID-19 restrictions.

**In addition to face-to-face sessions, we are offering Virtual Professional Learning Communities (VPLCs) this year for professional development credit. Please visit missouripat.org to learn about these opportunities. There will be limited seats in some of the sessions. Additional virtual sessions are available at:

PATNC.org (Parents as Teachers National Center)

institutefsp.org (Institute for the Advancement of Family Support Professionals)

www.mopata.org (Missouri Parents as Teachers Association)

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact: Diane Addison, daddison@missouripat.org

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The Parents as Teachers (PAT) program is an evidence-based early childhood home visiting framework that builds strong communities, thriving families and children who are healthy, safe and ready to learn. Trained parent educators emphasize parent-child interaction, development centered parenting and family well-being in their work with families. The PAT program has four components: personal visits, group connections, screenings, and resource referrals. Together, these components provide families with children prenatal to kindergarten entry a program of support so that children are able to reach their full potential.

In Missouri, PAT programs are supported through a collaborative partnership that includes the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) - Early Learning Section, the Parents as Teacher National Center (PATNC), and the local school district. Each partner has specific roles and responsibilities that collectively ensure that families in Missouri have access to quality parent education services through the PAT program.

The activities in this project provide on-going professional development and program support designed to strengthen the Parents as Teachers programs in Missouri. Professional development enhances the knowledge base that informs parent educators and program supervisors of their roles and responsibilities and increases their competence in delivering services to families. A team of Missouri PAT Consultants from across the state provide professional development opportunities that include, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), on-site Family Visit Consultations (FVCs), Collaborative Networking Groups (CNGs) and additional Program Assistance and Support (PAS).

These specific activities provide the opportunity for parent educators and program supervisors to enhance their knowledge and skills in implementing the Foundational Curriculum and Model Implementation. The focus of the professional development relates to the five PAT Core Competency areas in the approved curriculum; family support and parenting education, child and family development, human diversity with family systems, health, safety and nutrition and relationships between families and communities.

Parent educators and program supervisors are encouraged to strengthen their knowledge and skills by forming connections with other PAT programs for on-going support and networking.

New and experienced parent educators are able to complete professional development hours required by DESE for initial certification and re-certification.

REGISTER for 2020 VPLCs here.