A growing number of published studies, including numerous randomized controlled trials and other rigorous research, demonstrate the effects and quality of the Parents as Teachers model. Parents as Teachers works with a network of researchers to ensure independent research and evaluations are conducted that have integrity, credibility and minimize bias.
Evaluations have been supported by various states, school districts, private foundations, universities, and research organizations. With each new evaluation, we continue to learn about the children and families served by Parents as Teachers and the long-term impacts on communities
Provide early detection of developmental delays and connection to services
Parents as Teachers affiliates identify approximately 26,000 potential developmental delays and health concerns annually. Early identifications of delays can lead to interventions being applied in a timely manner.
Prevent child abuse and neglect
Parents as Teachers families practice better home safety, have fewer maltreatment reports, a 22% lower likelihood of substantiated child maltreatment, reduced CPS reinvolvement, and improved protective factors like parental resilience and children’s social-emotional competence.
View Sources
Increase in parent knowledge of early childhood development and improve positive parenting practices
Parents are more likely to feel confident in their parenting, be sensitive toward their children, engage in early literacy activities, create a safe and enriching home environment, and actively participate in their children’s education.
Increase children’s school readiness and success
Children in Parents as Teachers demonstrate stronger adaptive behavior, self-control, cognitive and language development, communication skills, academic performance, and have lower absenteeism and suspension rates.
Improve parent, child, and family health and well-being
Parents as Teachers mitigates the harmful effects of early life stress, promoting long-term mental health benefits for children in high-risk families while reducing parental and family stress. Children in the program have higher well-child visit attendance, better sleep and self-regulation, and healthier behaviors, while caregivers show improved health literacy, self-care, and reduced obesity risk through better nutrition and physical activity.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11121-021-01313-9
Improve family economic well-being
Parents as Teachers caregivers are more likely to gain employment, pursue higher education, and improve family economic self-sufficiency, with mothers experiencing significant benefits in parenting and child development. Families also show increased educational achievement and greater awareness and utilization of financial resources like the Earned Income Tax Credit, while reducing neglect.
Strengthen community capacity and connectedness
Parents as Teachers strengthens family connections to community resources, increasing referrals and follow-through, while enhancing social support. Parents in the program are more engaged in their children’s education, enrolling them in preschool and actively participating in school activities.
We strongly encourage evaluation of Parents as Teachers at the local and state levels. If you are interested in conducting a Parents as Teachers evaluation, please contact us: