Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a program which provides visits to families in their homes to support pregnant mothers and children from birth through kindergarten. For more than 30 years, PAT has aimed to increase children’s school success by:

  • Increasing parent knowledge of early childhood development
  • Improving parenting practices
  • Providing early detection of developmental delays and health issues
  • Preventing child abuse and neglect

Family Resources

Pregnant women as well as families with children ages birth to five may be eligible for PAT services if they:

  • Include teen parents,
  • Meet income-eligibility,
  • Are currently homeless or have unstable housing, or
  • Have limited education.

Three organizations in the state receive state funds to implement PAT. To receive PAT services, contact one of the following:

The goal of the Delaware PAT model is to provide group connections and social support to families so that all children are ready to succeed in school. The Delaware Department of Education accepts requests for proposals for PAT programs throughout Delaware. To get information about becoming a PAT provider, contact the Office of Early Learning or call (302) 735-4295.

Visit the national Parents as Teachers website for more information on PAT.