Family Health

Parents as Teachers (PAT)

Giving every family a strong start.

Your child was born to learn and you are the most important teacher. Wood County Health Department’s Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a FREE home visiting program for expectant parents and parents of children birth to 3 years old. A parent educator will focus on providing support, education, resources, and time for reflection to give parents and caregivers the tools to raise a child that is healthy, safe, learning, and ready for school.

PAT's Vision: All children will develop, learn and grow to realize their full potential.

PAT's Mission: To promote the optimal early development, learning and health of children by supporting and engaging their parents and caregivers.

Parents as Teachers is proven to:

Increase parent knowledge of early childhood development

Increase children’s school readiness and success

Improve early detection of developmental delays & health issues

Prevent child neglect and abuse

Free Home Visit

A visit from a parent educator engages families and children in their home environment regardless of their background or circumstances. Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.

PAT family image
Parents as Teachers

During a home visit, a parent educator will:

  • Help plan for the arrival of a new baby

  • Support families in creating a safe and nourishing environment

  • Help parents understand early child development

  • Provide screenings to watch for development delays

  • Offer age-appropriate support and activities

  • Connect you to other families and resources

To register to receive free home visiting services, complete the Registration Form below:

For current PAT participants, complete the Participant Consent Form below:

This project is funded by the Wisconsin Partnership Program at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.