Heathers Corner: Amphi Parents as Teachers-A Resource You'll Want to Know About

There is an outstanding program available to any family living in the Amphitheater Community with children ages of prenatal to five years old. The program is designed to offer parent education and family strengthening working with families throughout pregnancy until their child enters kindergarten. And the best part...it's free!

"Parents as Teachers" believe that the early years of childhood are critical in development and preparation to provide the basis for success in school and throughout life. With parents most typically the child's earliest form of influence, the program assists families through support curricula, training, materials and services while also allowing those families with diverse socio or economic backgrounds the same opportunities to provide the proper tools for early child development.

As stated by one of the Parent Educators, Diana Pitney, "If you have preschoolers, I invite you to check us out. We would like to partner with you. After all, you are your child's best and first teacher! Let us bring you the tools and ideas we have available to help you be the best parent you can be."

What you can expect from the program are personal home visits providing parenting tips and information on your child's development, family group connections allowing an opportunity to meet other parents, developmental screenings to be able to help identify child's strengths and kindergarten preparedness, and health screenings to assess your child's vision, hearing, and general health.

Once again I am happy to learn about another program bringing together our Oro Valley community. And what a great opportunity for pregnant mothers or those with young ones to enter motherhood with a sense of educational direction for the next five years. More information can be found by clicking this link or by contacting Dina Gutierrez at 696-4095.
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley a total of five years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Her husband is Canadian so she is a hockey fan by default and so are her two very clever children. When not being a mommy, she enjoys hiking in Catalina State Park, hand building pottery, and gardening. Her favorite things about living in Oro Valley are the towns recognition of art and culture, their commitment to preserving nature and the Christmas parade. (Also anything from GMG Chinese Bistro.)