Free Arizona program builds parenting skills, school readiness

The Parents as Teachers program from Arizona Children’s Association is a free, in-home service helping moms and families in Southern Arizona build confidence, gain parenting tools and ensure their children are hitting key developmental milestones.

The program helps prevent child abuse and neglect, detect health or developmental concerns early and prepare children for success before they even step foot in a classroom.

DeaAnna Carpenter, Parent Educator at Arizona’s Children Association, joined “Arizona Horizon” to share information about the program.

The Parents as Teachers program is grant funded through Arizona’s “First Things First” early childhood educational program according to Carpenter, making it completely free for parents within its area of service. “All you have to do is live within the zip codes of the program,” Carpenter said.

“We serve the Maryvale area, Phoenix north, Phoenix south, and the East Valley. So Mesa, Gilbert, [and] Queen Creek”

As for what the core functions of the program are, Carpenter says it’s about offering parents a source of support as they begin the journey of raising a child. “Parents when you first have a child, you wish it came with an instruction book,” Carpenter said.

The program, which runs for kids aged 0 to 5, comes to the home and uses activities to help teach both parents and children on a variety of topics. “The program is great because it works on building parental confidence,” Carpenter said.

They also offer a prenatal program, as well as health screenings for developmental delays, vision, and hearing, according to Carpenter.

To find out more information on the program and if you are in an eligible zip code, parents can visit the Arizona’s Children Association’s website and click on the Parent Education Services section.