Parents as Teachers (PAT) in Excelsior Springs allows legal guardians to connect with others in the community while receiving support and education for their child’s development. PAT coordinator Kathy Emery said PAT is for anyone pregnant or any parent or guardian of a child from birth to age five. PAT is designed with four core services for parents or guardians, including personal visits, group connections, annual screenings and resource referrals. Emery meets with families during most visits to provide information and support regarding child development, healthy sleep patterns, discipline and school readiness. “All visits are designed for a child’s age and skill level,” she said, noting children can listen to stories, play and talk with her. Emery is not there to be a teacher for the children but to support the parents or guardians caring for them. After all, Emery said parents are their child’s first and most influential teachers. Group visits also occur within the PAT…