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. 

2026-2027 Missouri Parent Education Program Support - PLC / VPLC Calendar 

Fall Professional Development: DESE Parent Education Unit will host the morning session and MOPATA will host the afternoon session. All Supervisors and Parent Educators are strongly encouraged to attend both sessions in whichever region best fits their schedule. Reminder emails will not be sent out, please be sure to mark your calendars and register early. CLICK HERE for Information and Registration

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. REGISTER 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.  REGISTER 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. REGISTER HERE 

Foundational Social–Emotional Learning Principles for Home Visitors – The University of Missouri Center for Child Well–Being is offering free virtual training focused on supporting children’s social – emotional development through home visiting. Registration is available for the final training session scheduled for September 2, 2026

Recorded VPLC, Parents as Teachers Supervisor Training 2, - 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.

Free virtual professional development opportunities to strengthen your role as a parent educator.

DESE, in partnership with the Missouri Association of Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health, will provide the following opportunities (see flyer below for registration and details).