Parents as Teachers
Southeastern Idaho Public Health’s Parents as Teachers program supports families with young children by providing education, guidance, and resources to promote healthy development and strong family connections.
What does this program do?
The Parents as Teachers program serves families across all eight counties who are expecting or have children ages 0–5. During home visits that occur once or twice a month, trained home visitors:
- Provide education on child development
- Conduct developmental screenings
- Offer parenting guidance and support
- Connect families with community resources tailored to their needs
How does this program benefit individuals and communities?
Parents as Teachers offers free, personalized visits designed to meet each family’s unique needs. During these visits, home visitors:
- Assess a child’s development and discuss any challenges families may be facing
- Explore family dynamics that may impact child development
- Focus on building strong protective factors to support healthy, resilient families
What is most important for people to understand?
Home visitors work with parents to guide each visit based on the family’s needs. They provide well-researched, practical information that helps parents make informed decisions and confidently support their child’s development.
The program provides meaningful support during important early years, helping families navigate challenges and build strong, lasting foundations.
What would happen without this program?
Research shows that children who participate in the Parents as Teachers program are better prepared for school and demonstrate stronger language, social, and problem-solving skills.
Without this program, many families would have less access to guidance and support during early childhood, which could impact long-term outcomes for children and communities.