The Parents as Teachers (PAT) program has a proud history of helping parents to be their children's best and first teachers. Bridging the gap between neuroscience and education to enhance parenting and improve outcomes for children has put the program in the vanguard of early childhood family education and support.

Recent research on brain development and its link to behavior validates the critical nature of early care and education, placing a premium on the kinds of experiences to which babies are exposed and affirming the crucial role parents play in orchestrating those experiences. The Born to Learn TM curriculum is rich in neuroscience resource materials for parents and parent educators alike. A video series complements the written materials by literally bringing neuroscientists, pediatricians and early childhood specialists into the homes of families. The curriculum is available from the prenatal period through age five.

The cornerstone of the PAT program is the personal home visits completed by early childhood trained staff. On each home visit, a parent is able to ask questions and share special concerns for that child's age. The trained parent educators always have useful tips for mom and dad regarding their unique concerns. Neuroscience information is embedded in the parent handouts to help parents understand what is occurring with early brain development to support their child's growth. (see excerpt from handout regarding sleep). Understanding your child's development and appropriate fun activities are part of the personal visit. Early literacy skills are enhanced via a book sharing activity on each visit.

Ionia county offers PAT group meetings in the evenings throughout the county at various times during the year. Call 1-888-792-4491 for more information. If you are interested in learning more about the Parents as Teachers program log onto www.patnc.org.

 

Sleep is divided into two major stages. One is called Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep because the eyes move constantly and rapidly while the person is sleeping. During REM sleep, the brain is active, but the body is quiet and still. Dreams occur during REM sleep. Non-REM sleep is the restorative part of sleep. The brain is inactive, the body may be active, tossing and turning. Non-REM sleep moves from light sleep to deep sleep, a cycle that takes about an hour. These two stages alternate five to six times during the night. Both stages are important for growth and brain development. Scientists think that connections between neurons are changed or "remodeled" during REM sleep. This allows the baby to "reenact" experiences he has during his waking hours. Non-REM sleep gives the brain time to rest and be refreshed.