Parents as Teachers
Parents as Teachers is a free home visiting program for expectant parents and families with young children. A caring Parent Educators works alongside you on your parenting journey as you navigate the first few years of your little one’s life and become your child’s first teacher. Together, you will focus on healthy child growth and development, positive parenting, self-care, postpartum resources, parent connection, and so much more.
We’re here to help with:
-
Depression
Offering caring support to help parents understand and manage depression and other mood challenges
-
Stress & Anxiety
Helping families learn healthy ways to cope with stress and anxiety.
-
Parenting SupportGuiding parents as they create a safe, loving home and grow in their parenting journey.
-
Grief & Loss
Providing compassionate support to help families work through loss and begin healing.
-
Community Resources
Connecting families to helpful programs and services in their community.
Eligibility
To be eligible for Parents as Teachers, you must:
- Reside in Gloucester or Salem County, New Jersey
- Be pregnant or parenting a child under age 3 at intake
What to Expect
-
Reaching Out
You can self-refer by completing the Connecting New Jersey form or by calling 856-431-4180 to speak with our bilingual Intake Specialist. Providers can also submit a referral form or by checking “Community Based Services” on the PRA (Perinatal Risk Assessment).
-
Scheduling Your First Visit
An Intake Specialist or Home Visitor will reach out to you to schedule your first meeting and learn more about your family.
-
Moving Forward with Care
Services start 1-2 weeks after enrollment, based on your availability. During your first visit, held in your home or at a convenient community location, you will set goals and schedule future visits with your Home Visitor. Meetings typically last 1 hour and will take place weekly, bi-weekly or monthly as needed.
FAQs
How much does the Parents as Teachers home visiting program cost?
Parents as Teachers is free.
Is this beneficial if I’m not a first-time parent?
Yes. Parents can enroll with their 2nd, 3rd, 4th child and beyond and have found the support to be very beneficial as every pregnancy and child is different. Your home visitor can tailor the program goals to your families’ current needs.
Are there any child development assessments conducted through the program?
Yes. We complete a developmental questionnaire for children for up to 36 months called the Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ).
How long can I stay in the Parents as Teachers program?
You can participate until your child’s 5th birthday.
Are services provided in-person or virtual?
Services take place via face to face home visits, or in-person at another location in the community
Do I need a referral from my doctor to participate in Parents as Teachers?
No. Families can refer themselves to Parents as Teachers by completing the Connecting NJ referral form or calling the program directly. Healthcare providers and community partners may also submit referrals. The program is designed to make it easy for eligible families to access support during pregnancy and the early years of parenting.
Are services available in Spanish?
Yes, we have bilingual home visitors in the Parents as Teachers program.
How do I qualify for Parents as Teachers services?
To qualify for Parents as Teachers (PAT) services, you must:
- Reside in Gloucester or Salem County, New Jersey
- Be pregnant or parenting a child under age 3 at intake
What happens during my first Parents as Teachers visit?
During your first visit, you will meet with your Home Visitor to discuss your family’s strengths, interests, and goals. Together, you will create a plan that reflects your needs and determine a schedule for future visits. The visit is also an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about available supports and resources.
How can a Home Visitor support my family?
Home Visitors partner with families to provide parenting support, child development information, and connections to community resources. They offer guidance tailored to your family’s goals and can help you navigate the challenges and joys of pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood.
