In order to become a Parents as Teachers affiliate, an organization must meet the Parents as Teachers model fidelity requirements, called Essential Requirements. These requirements cover affiliate leadership, staffing, services to families and evaluation.
Each year, affiliates report implementation and service data to confirm they are meeting or exceeding the minimum levels for each Essential Requirement. Parents as Teachers also has Quality Standards that provide a comprehensive blueprint for high-quality services delivery.
Together, the Essential Requirements and Quality Standards form the basis for the Parents as Teachers Quality Endorsement and Improvement Process (QEIP), which is the process that affiliates go through to demonstrate their commitment to high quality services and work to earn the Blue Ribbon designation.
All Parents as Teachers affiliates complete the QEIP every five years. To earn the Blue Ribbon, affiliates must meet all of the Essential Requirements and complete a comprehensive self-study that demonstrates they have thorough policies and procedures and fulfill at least 80% of the Quality Standards. The Blue Ribbon is good for up to five years, as long as the affiliate continues to meet the Essential Requirements each year.
Programs that earn the Blue Ribbon are recognized by the National Center as exemplary affiliates, delivering high-quality services to children and families.
See a list of our current Blue Ribbon Affiliates here.