Kansas highlights 42 'Blue Ribbon' Parents as Teachers affiliates as early childhood system shifts to new office

Amanda Peterson, KSDE’s director of early childhood, and Lisa Williams, Kansas Parents as Teachers coordinator, presented the program’s role in early literacy and family supports and celebrated 42 Kansas affiliates that earned the Parents as Teachers 'Blue Ribbon' accreditation for fidelity and quality.

Peterson emphasized early brain development and the state’s intent to keep strong ties between KSDE, local boards and Parents as Teachers after responsibility for state‑level early childhood administration moves to the new Office of Early Childhood in July. "Every environment, every interaction that we have is an opportunity for us to help build the foundational brain architecture," Peterson told the board.

Williams reviewed the PAT model’s four components — personal visits, group connections, resource networks and child/caregiver screening — and noted program scale (about 280 parent educators in Kansas, with a high percentage holding a college degree) and the pathway to Blue Ribbon accreditation. Program coordinators from Beloit and Topeka described hands‑on activities, developmentally appropriate materials and referrals for families at risk, and explained how PAT staff help families build literacy routines, acquire books (Dolly Parton Imagination Library as an example), and set goals for early reading that connect to screening results.

Next steps and context: Peterson reminded the board of the upcoming administrative transition to the Office of Early Childhood (July) and asked for continuing partnership and strong local connections as responsibilities shift.