PLCs extend the opportunity to foster collaborative learning among parent education staff. Participating in facilitated discussions on a variety of topics promotes collective team work with a focus on reflective learning and development of best practices. 

2025-2026 Missouri Parent Education Program Support - PLC / VPLC Calendar 

In-person regional fall PLCs are now available! DESE Parent Education Unit will be presenting the following at each location in the morning, Let’s Talk Monitoring! What Does it Mean and How It Can Be a Positive Benefit to Your Program. During this presentation DESE staff and the Consultant team will introduce the revised Compliance Review – On Site Monitoring Tool and the Family File Review. Partnering together to present the requirements and introduce strategies and resources that can assist districts through the process of a monitoring visit. This is a great opportunity for Program Supervisors and Parent Educators to learn their role in the process and the importance of monitoring the Parent Education Home Visiting Program. Each location will offer a unique topic in the afternoon! To view locations, dates, afternoon topics and to register click HERE 

Required Virtual Professional Development - First Year Parent Educators (Must complete all three in the first year): 

Introduction to Developmental Screening Procedures - This session is designed to give Missouri home visitors a foundational understanding of the state’s developmental screening procedures. We’ll cover key requirements, recommended tools, and best practices for implementing screenings during home visits. Participants will explore available resources, learn how to accurately document screenings, and gain confidence in using results to support and refer families. Whether you’re new to developmental screenings or looking to strengthen your skills, this presentation will provide the knowledge and tools needed to ensure screenings are both meaningful and effective. To view dates and to register click Here 

Introduction to Missouri’s PAT (Parents as Teachers) Program: A Guide for New Parent Educators

Designed specifically for new Parent Educators - This session offers a comprehensive introduction to Missouri’s Parents as Teachers program and the essential tools for getting started. Participants will gain practical guidance on time management, preparing for and documenting visits, and using available resources with confidence. We’ll also explore group connections, the role of the Community Advisory Board, and strategies for building strong relationships with families. This session will help you develop a deeper understanding of what it means to be a home visitor in Missouri and how to make a meaningful impact from day one. To view dates and to register click Here

Building a Foundational Partnership, Visit #1 & Beyond - Take your skills to the next level by strengthening your foundation and building meaningful partnerships with families. In this interactive session, you’ll dive deeper into all eight Foundational lesson plans and gain practical tips for documenting your work to meet DESE requirements. Come ready to learn, share, and grow! Note: You must attend both days of the training to receive credit. To view dates and to register click Here

Additional Professional Developmental currently being offered this summer: 

• The Center for Child Well-Being in partnership with Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will be offering Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) with a Conscious Approach to Discipline for Home Visitors for three additional dates in June, August and September (see attached flyer). Registration is available at this LINK

• In addition to the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) foundational trainings, the Center for Child Well-Being has developed a 2-part learning series for home visitors, building on the SEL foundational class. In these 2 modules, discipline strategies will be discussed in more detail, along with how to help families respond to challenging behavior in ways that support children’s social-emotional learning and reduce challenging behavior. Social-emotional learning serves as a protective factor against future behavioral and mental health risks. Home visitors have the unique opportunity to support children’s social-emotional development within the context of the child’s family and home. See the attached flyer for dates and more information. Registration is available at this LINK

Recorded VPLC, Parents as Teachers Supervisor Training 2, February 27, 2025 - Recording 

Partners offering trainings: 

Missouri Parents as Teachers Association: mopata.org

Parents as Teachers National Center: parentsasteachers.org/training-and-curricula/

The Institute for the Advancement of Family Support Professionals:  institutefsp.org

Center for Resilient Children:  centerforresilientchildren.org

The Center for Excellence in Child Well-Being also offers resources for professional development for parent educators/home visitors. Visit cfechildwellbeing.org  and click on training for information and registration.

Children's Mercy Training Modules

Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) Training for Home Visitors – There are still ASQ:3 and ASQ:SE2 training opportunities available. This training will be held virtually and at no cost to participants. Free ASQ:3 and ASQ:SE2 kits are available for eligible programs. To register, click here. If you do not see a date that works for you, please register on the waitlist. 

The Institute has a new website! The new site helps you easily navigate all the Institute has to offer and opens the door to your online training modules, learning resources (all still FREE to home visitors and family support professionals), career pathways, national certification and so much more. To visit the new website, go to www.theInstituteFSP.org.