Parents as Teachers (PAT) Hamilton County

Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a FREE parent education and family support program designed for families with children from prenatal through kindergarten. Our trained parent educators—also known as home visitors—meet with you regularly (once or twice a month), either in your home or at a convenient location. Each visit provides expert guidance on child development, effective parenting strategies, engaging activities to foster school readiness, and referrals to valuable community resources. Additionally, your child will receive annual screenings (hearing, vision, and developmental) to ensure they are on track and fully prepared to start kindergarten.

Our program uses a strength-based approach, empowering parents to become informed, caring, and confident advocates for their children during these critical early years.

Who is eligible for PAT?*

Pregnant and postpartum teens and women
Families with children through age 5

How to make a referral:

Referrals can be made by schools, clinics, hospitals, social service agencies, physicians, and individuals. An individual can refer themselves. Eligibility requirements are listed on the referral form. Referrals can be made by calling (423) 209-8298 or 209-8080, or faxing a referral to (423) 209-8298, or emailing the completed referral form to [email protected]

The PAT affiliate model features four dynamic components that work together to deliver a comprehensive package of services for families with young children:

Personal Visits: Certified parent educators collaborate with families to nurture parent-child interaction, development-centered parenting, and overall family well-being. Each visit is tailored to the child's specific needs, the challenges parents face, and the unique family context. Parents select the visit location that best suits their needs—often the family home, but also parks, libraries, or virtual meetings via platforms like Zoom.
Group Connections: Social support is provided through group meetings, where families can observe their children in social settings, encourage development, and build parenting skills alongside others.
Child Screenings: Developmental and health screenings—including hearing, vision, dental, and safety checks—support early detection of potential delays or concerns. These screenings enable parent educators to customize services according to each child’s unique needs.
Resource Network: Parent educators link families to vital local resources such as housing vouchers, food assistance, mental health services, early intervention, and more.

The PAT affiliate model is built to accomplish seven key goals:

Increase parents’ understanding of early childhood development and enhance
parenting practices.
Ensure early identification of developmental delays and connect families to needed services.
Promote the health and well-being of parents, children, and families.
Prevent child abuse and neglect.
Boost children’s school readiness and overall success.
Enhance family economic well-being.
Strengthen community capacity and connectedness.

Who is it for?	Parents, guardians, and their children from newborn to 5, as well as prenatal parents. Additional eligibility information on the referral form in the link below
What does it cost?	Services are FREE of charge, and participation is voluntary for parents, foster/kinship parents, grandparents, and anyone else caring for children in their custody.
How often do we meet?	Monthly or twice monthly (depending on your needs). Each visit is approximately 60 minutes.
Where do I go for visits?	Services are provided in your home, virtually, or in a community location convenient to you.
What do parent educators help with?	Age-appropriate parenting strategies, information on child development, fun activities to promote school readiness, and connections to community resources. Children also receive annual screenings (hearing, vision, and developmental) to make sure they’re on track to start kindergarten ready to learn.
What should I expect?	Engaging activities that explore parent-child interaction and support your child’s growth and development Easy-to-read handouts designed to reinforce learning between visits, on topics ranging from play to sleep to nutrition to positive discipline to family relationships A trusted professional you can talk to about your questions and concerns Opportunities to meet and connect with other parents through activities such as story times, playgroups, and family picnics.
How can I learn more?	Contact us! 423-209-8298 or 423-209-8281 (Fax (423) 209-8178) [email protected] Office Hours (3rd Street): Monday-Friday 8 AM-4 PM

“They have helped me by giving me ideas for activities for my baby's development and learning that I never thought of doing.” – Client, Hamilton County, TN

“The visits have been very helpful. I've learned a lot about how to teach my baby through this whole stage. It's been fun and very educational.” Client, Hamilton County, TN

I enjoy the conversations on child development, the support, and interaction with other moms. Client, Hamilton County.

Referral Form

Click Here for the Referral Form

Learn More, Contact Us!

Phone (423) 209-8298 OR 209-8281
Fax (423) 209-8178

Office Hours (3rd Street): Monday-Friday 8 AM-4 PM

Email: [email protected]

Parents as Teachers® is an affiliate program of Parents as Teachers, an international, evidence-based early childhood home-visiting program. For more information: http://www.parentsasteachers.org

KIDCENTRAL TN - For more information regarding resources in Tennessee related to health, education, development, and community support for children birth-18 years of age, please visit https://www.kidcentraltn.com/

Parents as Teachers (PAT)

Who is it for?

What does it cost?

How often do we meet?

Where do I go for visits?

What do parent educators help with?

What should I expect?

How can I learn more?

Referral Form

Click Here for the Referral Form

Learn More, Contact Us!