Parents as Teachers National Center

This Women’s History Month, we’re honoring women who shaped early childhood education, past, present, and future. Susan Blow, the St. Louis native known as the “Mother of Kindergarten”, founded the first public kindergarten and ran it for 11 years without pay. Dr. Evelyn Moore, a lifelong advocate for Black children and families through the National Black Child Development Institute. Dr. Dina Castro, who champions bilingualism and equitable education for immigrant and Indigenous children. Mildred Winter, the visionary behind Parents as Teachers, whose leadership helped bring home visiting to families across the globe. Their contributions, and the work of countless other women in early childhood education, have transformed how we support children and families. Today, we honor those who came before us and celebrate the women shaping the future for families and young learners. Tag a woman who inspires you in the comments! ??

?? Exciting News! ?? Parents as Teachers National Center is thrilled to launch the DAWN Project (Doula-Assisted Wellness Network)! ?? Part of this initiative integrates full-spectrum doula services within our evidence-based home visiting model to support healthier families from pregnancy through early childhood. This week, we hosted our first Learning Community with 8 incredible affiliates from 5 states, coming together to explore how doulas and home visitors can collaborate to improve maternal and child health outcomes. A huge thank you to the Bezos Family Foundation for their generous support in making this work possible! ?? Stay tuned as we share insights and impact from this groundbreaking initiative. #PATDAWN #DoulaSupport #HomeVisiting #ParentsAsTeachers

For 15 years, the ZEPPELIN longitudinal study, conducted by the Interkantonale Hochschule für Heilp?dagogik (HfH) in Zurich, evaluated the effectiveness of the Parents as Teachers program in supporting families. This randomized controlled trial included 248 families, with 132 in the intervention group receiving Parents as Teachers support and 116 in the control group accessing standard community services. Research Phases and Key Findings: ? ZEPPELIN children ages 0-3 (2011-2016): The initial phase demonstrated that children in Parents as Teachers exhibited significant advancements in language, cognitive abilities, and behavior by age three compared to the control group. A sub study on children at age 3 and found that Parents as Teachers had a biological effect on children by interrupting the effects of early life stress as demonstrated by cheek swabs. ? ZEPPELIN children ages 5-8 (2016-2020): Positive effects were observed at kindergarten age, including better language skills and reduced problem behavior. ? ZEPPELIN children ages 9-13 (2021-2024): The current phase aims to analyze the long-term effects of early support. Overall, the ZEPPELIN study underscores the long-term benefits of early intervention programs like Parents as Teachers National Center in enhancing child development and parenting practices. ?? Congratulations to Alex Neuhauser, Andrea Lanfranchi, and colleagues on this incredible longitudinal research that underscores the power of supporting parents from the very start!

Check out this segment from KSAT12 featuring Parents as Teachers Blue Ribbon Affiliate SJRC Texas | Belong. Thank you for sharing how #homevisitingworks for families in your community! https://lnkd.in/ezwHvp_x

In late 2024, the Changing Tides, Helping Hands Home Visiting Program hosted the 2024 Indigenous Parenting Conference on the traditional lands of the Suquamish in Washington. With support from a $50,000 Parents as Teachers Investing in the Power of Families challenge grant, the event brought together nearly 100 Indigenous parents and caretakers at the House of Awakened Culture. ?? Through shared stories, laughter, tears, and teachings—both traditional and modern—families found connection, healing, and strength across generations.

For generations, women have been the heart of early childhood education, caring for, teaching, and nurturing young children in homes, classrooms, and entire communities. From the first public kindergarten to groundbreaking research and advocacy, women’s contributions have shaped the way we support families and help children thrive. Despite their vital role, early childhood educators are among the lowest-paid workers in the U.S., which impacts women, especially women of color. We must consistently recognize, uplift, and support those dedicated to this essential work. To all the women around the world educating, advocating, and caring for children: You are incredible. Your work is invaluable. Your impact is immeasurable. ??

Yesterday, I participated in the third annual International Women's Day event hosted by GadellNet Consulting Services where we engaged in a discussion about leadership. It was an honor to be recognized as one of the Top 5 leaders to watch in 2025, alongside fellow leaders from St. Louis. ? My fellow panelists shared openly about what leadership means to them, how they honor their own needs, and the ways they uplift their teams and the women around them. I want to extend my gratitude to these remarkable women for sharing their insights: ? Jennifer Dolce, Vice President of Staff Operations and Controller at Metro East Industries Denise Purdy, Consultant and Owner of Purdy Your Image Natissia Small, Ed.D., CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Ashley Pyle, Chief Experience Officer at GadellNet Consulting Services ? Thank you, GadellNet, for bringing us all together! And thanks to my colleagues at the Parents as Teachers National Center for joining me. ? As I reflect on the event, I am reminded of the quote: “The problems of our time will be solved only when all of the best minds, conscience, and talent in the community are brought to their solution.” Yesterday certainly felt that way!

Don't miss the Parents as Teachers Podcast Bonus Episode! Mayelin Escobar, a parent educator with Show Me Strong Families shares her story of how a chance meeting with a friend turned into a successful and rewarding career working with families. This episode is in Spanish, and you can find an English translation here: https://lnkd.in/eWjcvdze

? Celebrating Alison Gee’s Remarkable Career & Retirement! ? After an incredible career spanning 30 years in advocacy, policy, and maternal and child health, Alison Gee is retiring! As Vice President of Government and Community Engagement for Parents as Teachers National Center, Alison has been a tireless champion for families, leading advocacy efforts and forging meaningful partnerships to expand our impact. Her legacy extends far beyond Parents as Teachers—Alison has dedicated her career to shaping policies that improve the lives of parents and children. From her work at Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region & Southwest Missouri to her leadership in Medicaid policy and maternal health legislation, she has been at the forefront of transformational change. Alison’s expertise, dedication, and passion will be deeply missed, but her impact will be felt for generations to come. Please join us in wishing her a joyful, fulfilling, and well-earned retirement! ????

?? ATTENTION AFFILIATES?? The Investing in the Power of Families Challenge Grant application deadline is approaching! These competitive grants are available for increments of $10,000, $25,000, and $50,000. Affiliates can apply for funds in the following categories: Combatting Maternal and Infant Mortality, Family Leadership Development, Workforce Development, Program Quality Improvement, Recruitment/Enrollment, Community Responsiveness and PBS Engagement. Learn more about this funding initiative and submit your application here: https://lnkd.in/ebhARttW