The Auburn Washburn School District celebrated a significant achievement during its Board of Education meeting on December 16, 2024, as the Parents as Teachers (PAT) program received the prestigious Blue Ribbon endorsement from the Kansas State Department of Education. This recognition highlights the program's commitment to empowering parents and supporting early childhood development for families with children from newborns to three years old.

Laurie Lee Hubert, a representative of the program, introduced the dedicated team behind this success, including Shauna Hall, the PAT supervisor, and educators Natalie Flores, Mindy Darling, and Brandy Yost. Hubert emphasized the importance of the program in providing essential resources and education to new mothers, ensuring they feel equipped to take on the challenges of parenthood.

The Blue Ribbon endorsement is awarded to top-performing home visiting affiliates and requires an extensive 18-month evaluation process. This rigorous assessment includes meeting 21 essential requirements and 81 quality standards, demonstrating the program's evidence-based approach and its positive impact on families. Hubert expressed pride in the team's hard work and commitment, noting that they conduct home visits to support families regularly.

Looking ahead, the program is considering increasing its visitation frequency from once a month to twice a month to better meet the needs of families requiring additional support. This potential change reflects the program's ongoing dedication to enhancing its services and ensuring that parents receive the guidance they need.

The meeting also included a brief public comment section, which had no participants, followed by a roll call. The recognition of the Parents as Teachers program stands as a testament to the district's commitment to early childhood education and community support, reinforcing the importance of equipping parents with the tools necessary for successful parenting.