Family Support Specialists (FSS) are responsible for providing holistic casework services, counseling and referral sources to the families/children enrolled at Loop Learning Center. Family Support Specialists utilize the Parents as Teachers (PAT) curriculum in their unique work with families. The PAT model is an evidence-based site/home visiting model designed to ensure young children are healthy, safe and ready to learn.
FSS are trained to engage in collaborative partnership building with parents (and their children), to facilitate monthly personal visits and parent group meetings, to identify goal strengths, and to provide holistic support and resources (personal, housing, employment, community etc). The Family Support Specialist mission is to provide the information, support, and encouragement parents need to help their children develop optimally during the crucial early years of life.
Four Primary Goals
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Increase
Parent knowledge of early childhood development and improve parenting practices
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Provide
Early detection of developmental delays and health issues.
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Prevent
Child abuse and neglect
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Inhance
Children’s school readiness and school success.
Parents as Teachers (PAT)
The PAT model has four dynamic components, each closely interrelated and integrated; personal visits, group connections, child screenings, and resource networking. Together these four components create a cohesive package of services with four primary goals.
