The Early Beginnings program at the Regional Office of Education #26 (ROE26) has once again earned the prestigious Blue Ribbon endorsement from the Parents as Teachers National Center. This award recognizes their excellent implementation of the Parents as Teachers curriculum for home visiting and parent education for families of children from before birth through age three.
Christine Nicholson, the Program Director and Cooperative Parenting Coach at ROE 26 shared this about achieving this recognition, "To earn the Blue Ribbon Endorsement, the Early Beginnings program underwent a rigorous self-study and review process from the National Center. This recognition is a testament to the quality of services our program is providing to families in McDonough, Fulton, and Hancock counties.”
The program being recognized as a Blue Ribbon Affiliate affirms that Early Beginnings is among the highest quality of the home visitation and parent education programs. This shows that ROE26 is implementing the evidence-based Parents as Teachers model with fidelity and quality. This program includes home visits, group connections, child screening, and connection to community resources. It equips parents with knowledge and resources to prepare their children for a stronger start in life and greater success in school.
ROE26 has used the Parents as Teachers curriculum for over 20 years and this is the second time they have earned the five year Blue Ribbon endorsement. The program currently has four parent educators serving around 50 families in Fulton, Hancock, and McDonough counties. Nicholson added, “I am very proud of our team for being champions of the communities we serve.”