From First Steps to First Day of School: Parents as Teachers Makes a Difference
At the February 19 District Site Council meeting, members heard an in-depth update about one of Lansing USD 469’s most impactful and often under-the-radar programs: Parents as Teachers (PAT).
While many families have heard the name, fewer know just how comprehensive the program truly is.
A Whole-Family Approach
Lansing’s Parents as Teachers program supports families from prenatal stages through kindergarten entry, focusing on the understanding that when one family member is supported, the entire family benefits.
Families enrolled in PAT receive:
Monthly personal home visits
Guidance on child development milestones
Developmental and milestone screenings
Parent-child interaction activities
Connections to community resources
Support for overall family well-being
Each visit includes intentional activities designed to strengthen the bond between parent and child while supporting growth in areas such as:
Social-emotional development
Language and communication
Gross and fine motor skills
Cognitive development
Parents are reminded and empowered to recognize that they are their child’s first and most important teacher.
Meeting Families Where They Are
One of the strengths of the program is its individualized support. Whether a family needs help establishing routines, preparing a child for kindergarten, navigating behavior challenges, accessing early intervention services, or even finding local community resources, PAT is there.
The team tracks developmental milestones regularly and conducts formal screenings annually. If a delay is identified, whether in walking, speech, language, or other developmental areas, families are connected early to services such as Infant Toddler Services. Early identification allows for early intervention, which can make a significant long-term difference.
The program also provides support during pregnancy and even for families navigating infertility, ensuring support begins as early as possible.
Weekly Playgroups and Social Connections
In addition to home visits, the program offers weekly playgroups, providing:
Socialization opportunities for children
Connection and community for caregivers
Shared experiences among families in similar stages of life
Many families build friendships that continue well beyond the program years.
A High-Value Investment for the District
Lansing’s Parents as Teachers program serves approximately 98 children and families across multiple educators. The program is funded through a combination of:
National Parents as Teachers funding
Kansas State Department of Education support
District matching funds
Because of these layered funding sources, the district is able to offer high-impact early childhood support at a strong value to taxpayers.
The program has also earned national Blue Ribbon recognition, highlighting the quality of implementation and service.
Why It Matters
Families shared during the meeting how valuable PAT was during uncertain parenting moments, whether navigating speech delays, behavior concerns, or simply learning what typical development looks like.
Parents as Teachers helps families feel informed, confident, and supported, and helps ensure students enter kindergarten ready to succeed.
Families who are pregnant or have children from birth to age five are encouraged to reach out to the Lansing Parents as Teachers team to learn more.