Parents As Teachers
Parents as Teachers is offered to all Berrien County families with children up to three years old. This internationally delivered early childhood program supports parents in their role as their child’s first and most important teacher. Monthly home visits by a trained Parent Educator and monthly playgroup meetings help parents enhance their child’s development and prepare their child for later school success.  This year the families of 571 children participated in the PAT home visiting program and families of 2,611 children attended at least one play group meeting.
 
Early Childhood Book Distribution
12,775 books were distributed county-wide this year:
2,400 provided through Reading is Fundamental (RIF)
1,275 provided through RIF Shared Beginnings
2,520 provided through Ready Set Read Book Bag Project (United Way)
1,680 provided through the Early Learning Opportunity Act Grant
2,000 distributed at Parents as Teachers monthly playgroups
2,900 provided through First Books