The University of Kansas Physicians Pediatrics division is proud to host a “no charge” program to parents of children from birth to age 3. The Healthy Steps program is designed to encourage and develop a close relationship between health care professionals and mothers and fathers in addressing the physical, emotional, and intellectual growth and development of children from birth to age three.

The program is designed for all families and expands its services beyond solely the physical health and development of young children. We want to support parents in their role as nurturers of the emotional, behavioral, and intellectual growth of their children.

The Healthy Steps Specialist is presented to parents as a member of the health care team, to help link the family and the pediatric practice, to enhance the relationship between the health care provider and the family. The Specialist addresses a variety of issues, and gives the practice the opportunity to focus on a whole baby, whole family brand of pediatrics.

Healthy Steps offers the support that helps parents anticipate developmental stages and possible problems – those teachable moments – to guide them in their role as parents.

We usually meet families for the first time at the newborn visit, or whenever called in to a visit by a clinician. Our goal is to then meet with them at each well child visit. Families must have a child age birth to 3 years to enroll.

Program Objectives

• To identify the strengths and concerns of the child and family
• To enhance parents’ understanding of their child’s development through questions asked by parents, and in other “teachable moments.”
• To monitor child’s healthy growth and development
• To promote “goodness of fit” between child’s behavior and parental expectations
• To engage in problem – solving with parents to determine how best to address developmental issues.
• To make necessary referrals to community resources
• To build a supportive alliance with family
  

Parents as Teachers Program (PAT)

“Parents As Teachers is an international early childhood parent education and family support program serving families throughout pregnancy until their child enters kindergarten, usually age 5. The program is designed to enhance child development and school achievement through parent education accessible to all families. It is a universal access model.”

• PAT programs are often access through the school district
• This is a no cost, early leaning program for all parents with children birth to age 3, (the Kansas City area consortium programs provide funding up to age 3)

PAT offers

• Research-based information on how children grow and develop
• Types of activities and toys that will foster learning and nurture development
• Methods of positive discipline; new techniques for problem solving; realistic expectations of child behavior and attitudes that will raise children’s self esteem

Services for members include

• Personal visits completed on a regular basis from a certified Parent Educator
• Parent and child activity centers, group meetings, and developmental screenings and newsletters

Enrollment Forms

• English
• Spanish

For more information or to schedule an appointment contact:

Cynde Fry
Child Development Specialist
913-588-6599
cyfry@kckps.org

Cynthia Fry, B.A., Sociology from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Cynthia received her initial certification as a Parent Educator from National Parents as Teachers in 1991and has worked as a parent educator for 18 years, serving families in Kansas City, Missouri, the Olathe, Kansas school district and since 2005 as a Healthy Steps Specialist/Parent Educator in the Kansas City, Kansas school district. Working at the University of Kansas Physicians Pediatric outpatient clinic, Cynthia helped pilot the national collaboration between Healthy Steps and Parents as Teachers. Her position involves working with families of children age birth through three who come to UKP Pediatrics for well child visits. She works as part of the pediatric team to enhance the relationship between the health care provider and the family. Cynthia is also a Certified Breastfeeding Educator.