The mission of MOPATA is to be a leading force in the support, education, and quality of programs in Missouri so that all Missouri children will develop to their fullest potential.

The purpose of MOPATA is to provide skill-building, peer learning, networking, and advocacy so that all Missouri families will have access to high-quality parenting support through Parents as Teachers (PAT) affiliates or programs.

We hope this newsletter is finding you refreshed and recharged. August is just around the corner and we wanted to update you about important happenings. Mark your calendar for our first Monday Call, August 7, 2023 at 9a.m. and 1p.m. We are looking forward to continuing to support home visiting programs in Missouri. Join us for an opportunity to network as we start a new school year! We will have updates from The Office of Childhood and answer questions about allocations. In this publication, you will find the link to register for the Monday Calls, information on completing your MOPATA renewal, and more.

MOPATA renewal period opens on August 15, 2023. Your annual membership renewal is due by October 1, 2023. Districts can renew by sending a list of staff names and emails to Sarah Jones, our Executive/Administrative Assistant, (membership@mopata.org), and she will generate an invoice for your program.

In partnership with the Missouri Highway Safety and Traffic Division, MOPATA has funds to support programs serving young families. Have you attended the Modelling Behaviors Distracted Driving and Car Seat Safety training? You can easily create a group connection using the tool kit and get a stipend for your program. If you host or have recently held a teen meeting around distracted driving and car seat safety we can offer $100.00 to your program. It is very easy, all you need to do is submit your group connection plan and the number of participants to receive your gift card. If you have any questions please contact Jessica Jobe at jjobe@mopata.org

Looking for professional development, visit www.missouripat.org or click here for a list of all upcoming PLC's.

The Missouri Parent Education Program Support services will look different this year. The DESE staff will continue to provide information and guidance on rules, requirements, and funding. The consultants will provide support on program implementation. Each Program Supervisor will receive individual check in from a consultant beginning in August. The check in will focus on utilizing allocations and setting expectations. We are excited to start this new process of individualized support to Parent Education Programs. The Missouri Parent Education Program DESE Contacts map has been updated to include a Team Lead for each of the nine regions of the state.

Consultants will continue to mentor new parent educators and provide support for their required Family Visit Observation. Please check the website, www.missouripat.org, to sign up for the Fall DESE, in person PLC, along with other virtual offerings for the new and experienced parent educator.

Check out this awesome resource to share with your early childhood community leaders, pediatricians, first steps providers, child care centers, and more. This search engine will allow easy access to parents as teachers' services based on location.

Please take a moment to make sure your business portal is up to date in the system so your programs are represented accurately.