Bethlehem, October 31, 2019 – Marvine Family Center in the Bethlehem Area School District has earned a prestigious endorsement from the Parents as Teachers National Center, Inc., (PATNC) as a Blue Ribbon Affiliate, making it one of the top-performing home visiting affiliates within the PATNC’s international network. Parents as Teachers (PAT) builds strong communities, thriving families, and children that are healthy, safe, and ready to learn. The internationally-recognized evidence-based home visiting model is backed by 35 years of research-proven outcomes for children and families. PAT currently serves nearly 200,000 families in all 50 U.S. states, 115 Tribal organizations, six other countries, and one U.S. territory. Parents As Teachers National Center, Inc., is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Parents as Teachers affiliates operate in various settings, including health departments, hospitals and schools, faith-based and non-profit organizations.

Being named a Blue Ribbon Affiliate affirms that Marvine Family Center is a high- quality member of the home visiting field, implementing the evidence-based Parents as Teachers model with fidelity. Families in the Bethlehem community are positively impacted by the services delivered by this program. The program includes home visits, group connections, child screenings, and connections to community resources. It equips parents and family members with knowledge and resources to prepare their children for a stronger start in life and greater success in school.

“To earn the Blue Ribbon Affiliate status, we underwent a rigorous self-study and data review process from the National Center. The process confirms that we are meeting and exceeding Parents as Teachers’ standards of fidelity and quality,” said Dr. Jodi Frankelli, Supervisor of Early Learning and Grants in the Bethlehem Area School District. “Blue Ribbon Affiliates are exemplary programs, delivering the highest level of quality services to children and families. This is the first time in the Marvine Family Center’s 25-year history that we have attained this distinguished recognition.”

“Implementation with quality and fidelity is vital in home-visiting programs as it determines a program’s effectiveness in  accomplishing its original goals and intended outcomes,” Frankelli stated. “It also verifies that our program is being implemented as designed. Parents as Teachers’ rigorous endorsement process demonstrates the Marvine Family Center’s accountability and credibility to the Bethlehem community, our funders, and the partner organizations with which we work.”

Information provided to TVL by:
Barbara Clymer
Assistant to the Superintendent for Communications
Bethlehem Area School District
1516 Sycamore Street
Bethlehem, PA 18017

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