TAMIU College of Education Partners with MHP Salud to Launch a Zero Cost First-Educator Preparation Program

Texas A&M International University's (TAMIU) College of Education, in collaboration with MHP Salud, is proud to announce the launch of the We Teach Laredo initiative, an exciting new partnership aimed at providing a zero cost first-educator preparation program for families and communities to be the first and most effective educators for their children.

Through this groundbreaking educator preparation initiative, MHP Salud is embarking on a journey with TAMIU and Laredo families to prepare effective first educators in their own homes through the Parents as Teachers program. This zero cost first-educator preparation program offers guidance on child development, parenting support, and referrals to community resources. The program will recruit and empower 60 families to take on the role of their child’s first educators and help them get ready for school.

This initiative aligns with the Texas A&M University System's current affordability initiative and the long-standing tradition of preparing highly qualified educators to serve the state of Texas and beyond. The We Teach Laredo program is a key extension of the A&M System’s commitment to ensuring that every child has access to world-class educators from the very beginning of their learning journey.

"At Texas A&M International University, we believe that learning begins long before a child enters the classroom," said Dr. James O'Meara, Dean of the College of Education, "We Teach Laredo prepares parents, family members, and trusted neighbors for being an effective first educator, ensuring our infants and toddlers are ready for school and life."

The partnership with MHP Salud will prepare family members to become effective first educators of their children. MHP Salud’s parent educators will meet with families once or twice a month for a minimum of 24 months, offering a zero-cost program – with bilingual support offered in Spanish and English -- with fun learning activities, developmental guidance, and support focused on the well-being of the whole family. The program serves children from birth to age 5, and the criteria for eligible families are flexible, with no strict age limits.

"A Parents as Teachers visit is a great way for parents to bond and connect with their child through fun learning activities, learn about child development, and focus on the well-being of the whole family. Parents, through engagement and MHP Salud’s parent educators, through support, build a strong foundation for the child's future success," said Vickie Oliva Program Director at MHP Salud.

Eligible participants must reside in Webb County, be at least 18 years old, and be willing to engage in home visits and community playgroups led by MHP Salud’s parent educators. This partnership not only supports individual families but also contributes to a larger vision of making Laredo a model city for school readiness, setting the stage for long-term success for its youngest residents.

The We Teach Laredo initiative also reflects the larger goals of World Teachers' Day, celebrated annually on October 5, which underscores the importance of addressing the systemic challenges faced by learners and educators. By expanding the role of friends, family, and neighbors as first educators, We Teach Laredo reaffirms the belief that school readiness is a shared responsibility and that effective first educators benefit not just children, but entire communities.

The We Teach Laredo initiative comes at a crucial time when communities across Texas and beyond are facing unprecedented learning challenges in the aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Despite these hurdles, Texas A&M International University and its educator preparation programs remain dedicated to meeting the needs of students and districts through affordable, innovative, and impactful educator preparation programs.

"We Teach Laredo is a testament to this commitment.  We are reaffirming our dedication to producing the highest quality educators and empowering families to put their children on a pathway to success. Together, we are creating a brighter future for Laredo and all of Texas," Dr. O’Meara concluded.

For more information on the Parents as Teachers program, please contact Vickie Oliva, Program Director, MHP Salud, at 956.246.4140, or email vickie.oliva@mhpsalud.org.

Information about TAMIU’s College of Education is available online at https://www.tamiu.edu/coedu, by email at  coeinformation@tamiu.edu, or at 956.326.2420.

Registration for the Wintermester and Spring 2025 begins Nov. 4, 2024.

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