By Lisa Williams, KSDE early childhood team 

The Kansas State Department of Education is proud to celebrate 11 additional outstanding Kansas Parents as Teachers (PAT) programs that have achieved the prestigious Blue Ribbon Endorsement from the Parents as Teachers National Center (PATNC). A total of 42 Kansas PAT programs have now achieved Blue Ribbon status.  

This national honor places the following programs among the highest-performing home visiting programs in the entire Parents as Teachers international network—a remarkable achievement that reflects exceptional dedication to Kansas children and families.  

Programs earning a Blue Ribbon in 2025:

• Basehor-Linwood PAT – USD 458 
• Bonner Springs/Edwardsville PAT – USD 458 
• Coffeyville PAT – USD 445 
• Gardner-Edgerton PAT – USD 231 
• Geary County PAT – USD 475 
• Harvey County PAT Consortium – Newton USD 373, Sedgwick USD 439, Halstead-Bentley USD 440 and Hesston USD 460 
• Holcomb PAT – USD 363 
• Lawrence PAT – USD 497 
• Rice County PAT – USD 405 
• Salina/Heartland Programs PAT – USD 305 
• Southeast of Saline PAT – USD 306 

What it takes to be a “Model” or “Blue Ribbon” PAT affiliate 

Model fidelity is demonstrating commitment and operating the PAT program by following the 21 Essential Requirements – which are minimum standards for quality implementation of PAT home visiting services. 

Achieving Blue Ribbon status is no small task and demonstrates a commitment to operating the program at the highest level of fidelity to the model and research. Every five years, each PAT program engages in the Quality Endorsement and Improvement Process (QEIP)—a rigorous, 15-month review. To earn the Blue Ribbon honor, programs must meet the following two requirements: 

• The 21 Essential Requirements (minimum standards for implementation), AND 
• 81 quality standards (the pinnacle of excellence in home visiting) 

Only programs demonstrating outstanding quality, fidelity, and positive outcomes achieve Blue Ribbon status. These Kansas programs have gone above and beyond to deliver world-class services to families. 

Kansas has 61 Parents as Teachers programs across the state, 95% of which are operating at “Model” or “Blue Ribbon” status, representing extraordinary commitment to children’s early learning, family engagement, and evidence-based support. 

View the full list of Kansas Parents as Teachers programs on the KSDE Kansas Parents as Teachers webpage. 

Why the Blue Ribbon status matters for Kansas families  

The Parents as Teachers programs have been transforming early childhood experiences for more than 40 years, and Kansas programs continue to shine as leaders in this important work.   

Blue Ribbon programs represent the gold standard of home visiting. High-fidelity implementation ensures the support families receive meets the following high standards: 

• Research-driven 
• Consistently high-quality 
• Proven to promote school readiness, strengthen families, and support child development 

For more information about the body of evidence related to Parents as Teachers: Research and Results - Parents as Teachers 

Congratulations to all the 2025 Blue Ribbon honorees! Your work is strengthening communities, empowering families, and shaping a brighter future for Kansas children.