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Parents as Teachers

Parents As Teachers (PAT) is a nationally recognized, evidence-based program designed to empower parents as their child's first and most influential teachers. Serving families from prenatal stages to kindergarten, the PAT program emphasizes parent-child interaction, development-centered parenting, and family well-being.

Through structured curriculum and personalized support, PAT helps parents nurture their child’s development, detect potential delays early, and build a strong foundation for future school success.

Mother with two children smiling on a park bench
At a Glance
Supporting parents in fostering their child's development and well-being from prenatal stages through kindergarten with personalized, evidence-based guidance and resources.

Age

Birth to 5

Gender

All

Referrals

Open
Our Approach

At the heart of PAT is the belief that parents are the most important teachers in their child's life. Each family enrolled in the program is paired with a certified Parent Educator who provides personalized guidance through four integrated components:

1. Personal Visits

Certified Parent Educators conduct regular personal visits, offering individualized support and practical advice tailored to each family's unique needs. These visits focus on enhancing parent-child interaction, understanding child development, and implementing effective parenting strategies.

2. Group Connections

Families have the opportunity to connect with others in their community through group sessions. These sessions provide a supportive environment for sharing experiences, learning from one another, and building a network of social connections that foster both parental confidence and child development.

3. Screening

PAT includes regular developmental screenings to ensure children are meeting milestones and to identify any early signs of developmental delays or health issues. Early detection allows for timely intervention, improving outcomes for children and giving parents peace of mind.

4. Resource Networking

Parents are connected to a wide range of community resources that support family well-being, including healthcare, early intervention services, and educational opportunities. The program ensures that families have the tools and support they need to thrive.


How We Can Help

The PAT model is designed to achieve four primary goals that are essential for the well-being and future success of children:

Increase parent knowledge of early childhood development & improve parenting practice.

Empower parents with the knowledge and skills to support their child's development and build a strong foundation for learning.

Provide early detection of developmental delays and health issues.

Regular screenings help identify potential concerns early, allowing for timely intervention and support.

Prevent child abuse and neglect.

By fostering strong parent-child relationships and providing supportive resources, PAT aims to reduce the risk of abuse and neglect.

Increase children's school readiness and school success.

Through a focus on early development and parent engagement, PAT prepares children for a successful transition to school and continued academic achievement.

Who is Eligible?

To participate in the PAT program, parents must meet the following criteria:

  • Reside in the Greater Lawrence area
  • Be pregnant or have a child up to kindergarten age (age 5)
  • Be committed to being present and actively participating in all scheduled visits

PAT is dedicated to helping every parent provide the best start for their child, ensuring they are ready to succeed in school and beyond.

Our Team

No team members found.

Frequently Asked Questions
Referral Information

Referrals are open to anyone in the Greater Lawrence area who is pregnant or has a child under the age of 5.

Let's Connect

Heyda Javier

Program Director

[email protected]

Jackeline Robles

Supervisor

[email protected]

Request More Information
Request More 
Information

For assistance determining which programs or services will meet your needs, please fill out the form below. Our service navigator will reach out by phone, text, or email. If you have a question regarding a particular program, please contact the program director listed above.

Please note that this form is not HIPAA-compliant. We urge you not to include protected health information.

Request More Information

For assistance determining which programs or services will meet your individualized need, please fill out the form below. Our Service Navigator will reach out to you about your inquiry via phone, text, or email. If you have a question regarding a particular program, please contact the Program Director listed in the “Let’s Connect” box above. 

Please note that this form is not HIPAA compliant.  We urge you not to include protected health information.

What is your preferred method of communication?
Teen Parenting Program
Teen parents are referred to Teen Parenting Programs by DTA. If you have a DTA worker please reach out to them. If you do not have a DTA worker please follow the below instructions. 

How to Get a DTA Worker in Massachusetts
If you need to speak with a Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) worker — whether for benefits, SNAP Path to Work, or employment services — there are several ways to connect with them.

1. Call the DTA Assistance Line
      Phone: (877) 382‑2363
      Hours: 8:15 A.M. – 4:45 P.M.
      This is the main line for general DTA inquiries, but note that DTA has been experiencing high call volumes and may hang up on some calls due to staffing shortages MassLegalHelp.

2. Use DTA Connect
      Visit the DTA Connect website to report changes, view notices, and get updates.
      You can also use the DTA Connect mobile app to manage your account and communicate with staff Mass.gov.

3. Contact Your Local DTA Office
     Find your local office’s phone number in the DTA office directory or by calling the Assistance Line. Go in person during business hours for in-person interviews or to speak directly with a caseworker MassLegalHelp.
 
IRTPS
Referrals for IRTPs come from Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities, and services are funded through the Department of Mental Health. Please connect with your referring physiatrist or inpatient provider.
Employment Verification
JRI has partnered with EmpInfo to provide all verifiers (lender, bank, mortgage company, etc) with employment verifications through a fast and secure connection!

1. Verifier visits www.empinfo.com or 1-800-274-9694
2. Verifier follows process to register by selecting “verify now”
3. After registration is complete, verifier can obtain verification by entering the following details in the EmpInfo portal:
- Company Name: Justice Resource Institute, Inc.
- Social Security Number
- Authorization Code (if verifying income, you must obtain an
Authorization Code directly from the employee).
4. Verification of employment is immediate! If you run into any issues or need further assistance, please contact EmpInfo directly at 1-800-274-9694.
Record Request
Please click here to submit a record request. 
Referral Status
For an update on the status of your referral for community-based services (In-Home Therapy, Therapeutic Mentoring, In-Home Behavioral Services, Outpatient Therapy or our Community Services Agencies), please reach out to Lori McGahan, [email protected]. 
Job Application Status
To check the status of your application log back into the UKG account you created when applying. You can view active applications under 'My Presence' then clicking on 'Applications'  If you have any further questions please contact [email protected].


Check Status
Educational Advocacy
Please click this link for more information on how to access educational advocacy resources.
Housing
If you are looking for housing for youth or young adults under age 25 please contact William Thompson at 857-399-1905 x23200.


If you are looking for rental assistance for people living with HIV please contact Mairead Skehan at 857-399-1905 x23180.

If you are looking for housing for clients of the Department of Mental Health please contact Maureen Skehan at 857-399-1905 x23230. 

For all other inquiries about housing please check out this resource list and click on Housing and Homelessness. 


Request More Information
Request More 
Information

For assistance determining which programs or services will meet your needs, please fill out the form below. Our service navigator will reach out by phone, text, or email. If you have a question regarding a particular program, please contact the program director listed above.

Please note that this form is not HIPAA-compliant. We urge you not to include protected health information.

Request More Information

For assistance determining which programs or services will meet your individualized need, please fill out the form below. Our Service Navigator will reach out to you about your inquiry via phone, text, or email. If you have a question regarding a particular program, please contact the Program Director listed in the “Let’s Connect” box above. 

Please note that this form is not HIPAA compliant.  We urge you not to include protected health information.

What is your preferred method of communication?
Teen Parenting Program
Teen parents are referred to Teen Parenting Programs by DTA. If you have a DTA worker please reach out to them. If you do not have a DTA worker please follow the below instructions. 

How to Get a DTA Worker in Massachusetts
If you need to speak with a Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) worker — whether for benefits, SNAP Path to Work, or employment services — there are several ways to connect with them.

1. Call the DTA Assistance Line
      Phone: (877) 382‑2363
      Hours: 8:15 A.M. – 4:45 P.M.
      This is the main line for general DTA inquiries, but note that DTA has been experiencing high call volumes and may hang up on some calls due to staffing shortages MassLegalHelp.

2. Use DTA Connect
      Visit the DTA Connect website to report changes, view notices, and get updates.
      You can also use the DTA Connect mobile app to manage your account and communicate with staff Mass.gov.

3. Contact Your Local DTA Office
     Find your local office’s phone number in the DTA office directory or by calling the Assistance Line. Go in person during business hours for in-person interviews or to speak directly with a caseworker MassLegalHelp.
 
IRTPS
Referrals for IRTPs come from Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities, and services are funded through the Department of Mental Health. Please connect with your referring physiatrist or inpatient provider.
Employment Verification
JRI has partnered with EmpInfo to provide all verifiers (lender, bank, mortgage company, etc) with employment verifications through a fast and secure connection!

1. Verifier visits www.empinfo.com or 1-800-274-9694
2. Verifier follows process to register by selecting “verify now”
3. After registration is complete, verifier can obtain verification by entering the following details in the EmpInfo portal:
- Company Name: Justice Resource Institute, Inc.
- Social Security Number
- Authorization Code (if verifying income, you must obtain an
Authorization Code directly from the employee).
4. Verification of employment is immediate! If you run into any issues or need further assistance, please contact EmpInfo directly at 1-800-274-9694.
Record Request
Please click here to submit a record request. 
Referral Status
For an update on the status of your referral for community-based services (In-Home Therapy, Therapeutic Mentoring, In-Home Behavioral Services, Outpatient Therapy or our Community Services Agencies), please reach out to Lori McGahan, [email protected]. 
Job Application Status
To check the status of your application log back into the UKG account you created when applying. You can view active applications under 'My Presence' then clicking on 'Applications'  If you have any further questions please contact [email protected].


Check Status
Educational Advocacy
Please click this link for more information on how to access educational advocacy resources.
Housing
If you are looking for housing for youth or young adults under age 25 please contact William Thompson at 857-399-1905 x23200.


If you are looking for rental assistance for people living with HIV please contact Mairead Skehan at 857-399-1905 x23180.

If you are looking for housing for clients of the Department of Mental Health please contact Maureen Skehan at 857-399-1905 x23230. 

For all other inquiries about housing please check out this resource list and click on Housing and Homelessness. 


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