Hibiscus Children’s Center Helping to Strengthen Families through Parents as Teachers Program

Parents as Teachers (PAT) is one of Hibiscus Children's Center's programs aimed at providing families with the resources and tools they need to provide a loving home for their children.  Last year, PAT served 70 families in Martin and Okeechobee Counties.  PAT is a parent education, home-visiting program that teaches new parents skills to promote positive child development and prevent child maltreatment. The program is designed to achieve four primary goals: 1) Increase parent knowledge of early childhood development and improve parenting practices, 2) Provide early detection of developmental delays and health issues, 3) Prevent child abuse and neglect and 4) Increase children’s school readiness and school success.

Jenna (name changed for privacy) was a young pregnant mother of a one-year-old when she enrolled in the Parents as Teachers Program. She was concerned about how she’d manage with two young children. Jenna was living with her family at the time and not attending school. She actively participated in the PAT program and utilized all available resources. Jenna enrolled in college, secured employment and with her children, was able to move into her own apartment. Jenna said she is grateful for the connections she made and thankful for the support that changed her life.

Thank you to our wonderful and supportive community for helping to change the lives of families and giving them hope for a better future.  For more information about Hibiscus, please visit us at HibiscusChildrensCenter.org.