When Spartanburg School District 6 launched the Parents as Teachers (PAT) program, the goals extended beyond accelerating early learning outcomes. The district was empowering parents to build relationships, model best practices, and create a community of support for families with young children. Funded by Movement 2030 and supported by Spartanburg Academic Movement this internationally recognized, evidence-based initiative is changing the way parents engage with their children’s development as the child’s first and best teacher.
In District 6, PAT educators invite families into schools every other week after transforming classrooms into nurturing learning environments. Each visit includes a new book and, by the second or third session, an age-appropriate instructional toy. Teachers show parents how to use these tools and lead fun activities that help children learn to read, build math skills, and reach key developmental milestones.
Retired educators Lynn Brady and Blondell Ouzts serve as certified facilitators and bring decades of experience and a deep passion for teaching to the program.
“I found a place where I was needed,” Brady shared. “It filled the void after retirement and gave me a chance to be with kids again.” Ouzts echoed Brady’s sentiment.
“It rekindled my love of learning and reminded me that it takes a village to raise a well-rounded child,” she said.
“The program’s structure is intentional,” said Dr. Cindy Pridgen, Parents as Teachers supervisor. “Teachers sit on the floor with families, model reading techniques, and provide individualized lessons.” Each parent receives a notebook with a schedule, contact information, and tip sheets aligned with developmental milestones.
“These visits aren’t just educational, they’re relational,” Pridgen explained. Teachers follow up on concerns, celebrate progress, and most importantly, build trust.
Beyond the classroom, monthly “Group Connections” events bring families together for shared experiences like planetarium visits, fire safety lessons, and library outings. These gatherings foster peer support and community, while continuing to reinforce learning through books and toys.
One especially memorable story since the program’s launch last fall in District 6 is of a dedicated parent who is now in her second year with Parents as Teachers. With two daughters, the mother has fully embraced the program’s resources and support and even connected her older child with tutoring services in the community.
“We’ve built a small community,” shared Ouzts who has worked closely with her. “(The mother) came in shy, but now her confidence is soaring, and her children are eager to learn. She has always been a loving and engaged parent, but her approach has grown in meaningful ways. With her youngest daughter, she’s applying new strategies and insights that are helping her thrive.”
With the strategies Parents as Teachers use, children will be more prepared academically and socially for District 6’s 4K programs that they will attend prior to entering kindergarten. As Ouzts put it, “we’re giving families that extra push to get closer to readiness showing them how to make story time interactive, ask thoughtful questions, and spark their child’s curiosity.” These small moments build the foundation for lifelong learning, and they truly matter.
Parents as Teachers directly supports Movement 2030’s goal to expand high-quality early care capacity for children ages 0 to 3, while strengthening prenatal and parent supports countywide. By modeling developmental practices, increasing access to educational resources, and fostering strong parent-child relationships, this program is helping more children enter kindergarten prepared for success.
“As the name suggests, Parents as Teachers is an effective and impactful program that equips caregivers to be their child’s first and most important teacher,” said Taylor Dockter, director of SAM’s Center for Early Childhood Success. “When parents understand the value of early learning and have access to practical tools, they can create nurturing, learning-rich environments that support their child’s development and ease the transition into school.”
Thanks to your generous support, families in Spartanburg are not only receiving tools, but they’re also gaining knowledge, confidence, and community. Together, we’re building a future where every child has the foundation to thrive.
