Oklahoma Parents as Teachers
by Stacy Corder
December 09, 2008
Oklahoma
Parents
As
Teachers
Oklahoma Parents As Teachers
(OPAT) is a unique parent education program
designed to give children the best possible start in life. The
program is based on the philosophy that parents are their
children's first and most important teachers. It is a voluntary
program for all parents with children birth to age three.
The goal of the Oklahoma
Parents As Teachers program is to strengthen the
capacity of parents to be effective first teachers. The program is
designed to maximize a child's overall development during the first
three years of life, lay the foundation for school success and
minimize developmental problems that interfere with the child's
learning.
OPAT is
also designed to foster an early partnership between home and
school so that parents take a far more active role during their
children's formal years of schooling. Other intended benefits of
the program include: positive parental attitudes toward the school
district, early identification of sensory or developmental
problems, and reduction in the need for expensive remediation and
special education programs.
What is Oklahoma Parents as Teachers (OPAT)?
OPAT is a free program for parents of children birth to age three. OPAT is a state affiliate of the Parents as Teachers National Center. OPAT enables parents to become effective first teachers, and helps parents prepare their children for a successful school future.
What do OPAT programs offer?
- Personalized visits
-
- Provide trained parent educators from your public school
- Parent group meetings provide opportunities to
-
- Discuss developmental stages,
- Share parenting experiences, and
- Obtain information and activities to encourage your child’s development.
- Resources and referrals
-
- Connect parents to community resources,
- Provide referrals to appropriate professionals in your community, and
- Use reliable, research-based curricula.
- Developmental screenings
- Early partnership between home and school
-
- Makes transitioning from home to school easier,
- Provides resources from the school district to supporting parenting, and
- Emphasizes the critical role parents have in school readiness.
Who is eligible?
Expectant parents and parents of children birth to age three.
What does OPAT cost?
OPAT is a free program through the Oklahoma State Department of Education and Caney Valley Public Schools in cooperation with the Washington County Health Department.
How do I enroll?
To enroll in the OPAT program, contact Ashley Sikes, OPAT Coordinator for the Caney Valley Public Schools at 918-335-6927 or contact the Caney Valley Public Schools at 918-536-2500.
