Four Oaks’ Parents As Teachers (PAT) program in Dubuque has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Dubuque Racing Association (DRA). The funded project, Enrichment of Home Visitation Through Technology, purchased laptops that will enrich home visits or allow virtual visits with families in the PAT program.

Offered to more than 400 families in Dubuque each year, PAT is a parent education and family support program for families with at least one child prenatal through age 5. All family members are invited to participate in programming, including older siblings. PAT is internationally-recognized and research- and evidence-based. The PAT model’s four core components are home visits, screenings, resource networking, and group events. Program activities encourage language development, intellectual growth, and social and motor skills, allowing parents with children ages 0-5 to make the most of their child’s crucial early years.

Since COVID-19 required a shift to virtual work and life, adequate technology resources have become a necessity for conducting business. In addition, for a data-driven program like PAT, up-to-date computers are vital to accurate and immediate data collection. Data, both current and historical, is critical to the successful growth of each child in the PAT program.

“This is such a great opportunity for our team to provide parents with access to a wealth of information and online resources,” said Amy Kallaher, PAT Program Manager. “When we can’t do in-person visits, the technology ensures staff can stay connected to families, helping them understand what to expect as their children grow and offering practical suggestions on encouraging learning, managing challenging behavior, and promoting strong parent-child relationships.”