Lansing School District is proud to announce that our Parents as Teachers (PAT) Program has once again earned the esteemed Blue Ribbon Status from the Parents as Teachers National Center (PATNC). This designation recognizes the outstanding quality of our program, which has consistently demonstrated a commitment to delivering the highest standard of services to children and families.
Achieving Blue Ribbon Status is no small feat. Our PAT team, including Coordinator Kelly Faulk and Parent Educators Lisa Hope, Stephanie Hixon, and Jane Verran, underwent a rigorous 15-month process known as the Quality Endorsement and Improvement Project (QEIP). This process mirrors the school accreditation process that districts use to ensure the quality of educational services. The review covered 21 Essential Requirements and 81 Quality Standards, including a thorough examination of program policies, procedures, and protocols. The result? Confirmation that Lansing PAT meets Parents as Teachers' standards for fidelity and quality.
"Our program has embodied the vision of PAT's founder, Mildred Winter, by providing direct support and practical learning tools to families during the critical early years of life," said Faulk. "Our focus is on helping parents raise healthy, capable learners who thrive."
This marks the second time that Lansing PAT has been recognized with Blue Ribbon Status, first receiving the honor in 2020. "We are one of the top programs both nationally and internationally," Faulk added.
Recently, Lansing PAT staff attended the Parents as Teachers National Conference in San Diego, California, where they engaged in sessions on trends in home visiting, community engagement, collaborations, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as health, wellness, and child education. Energized and equipped with new knowledge, our team is excited to apply these insights to enhance the support we provide to families in our community.
Congratulations to our Parents as Teachers Program for their ongoing dedication to excellence and their unwavering support of Lansing's youngest learners and their families!
