MOPATA

This toolkit is designed to help parent educators and supporters understand how to educate policymakers about Parent Education programs. It focuses on sharing program impact, community needs, and family outcomes. It does not promote specific legislation or voting positions.

This toolkit supports education and relationship-building with policymakers. It is not intended for lobbying or election-related advocacy.

Use this template to quickly share your district’s impact with legislators.

How to use:

• Click the link and select “Use template”
• Add your district data (families served, screenings, etc.)
• Include one short family story
• Print bring to share with legislators
• Email to legislators

✔ Keep it to one page

✔ Focus on real impact and clear messaging

This updated 3/24/206 ready-to-use resource outlines the impact of current House budget language on Parents as Teachers Parent Education programs. It is designed to help you share clear, consistent information with legislators about how this impacts families, early identification, and school readiness across Missouri.

Why Advocacy Matters

Parent Education programs strengthen families before challenges escalate. By sharing your local experience, you help lawmakers understand how early support:

• Improves school readiness and child development

• Supports families facing economic stress

• Reaches teen parents, single parents, and families with children with disabilities

• Builds healthier, more resilient communities

Your voice helps protect and grow these services for the families you serve.

How to Get Started in 3 Easy Steps

1. Identify your Missouri House and Senate representatives

2. Share a short message about your local program’s impact

3. Thank them for their service and support of Missouri families

Use the official Missouri directories below to locate your elected officials.

• Missouri House of Representatives – Legislator Lookup
  https://house.mo.gov/LegislatorLookup.aspx

• Missouri Senate – Legislator Lookup
  https://www.senate.mo.gov/legislookup/

Key Advocacy Talking Points

Use the talking points below in emails, calls, or meetings. You do not need to use all of them.

• Parents as Teachers Parent Education programs support families early, before concerns become crises.

• Programs serve families across all backgrounds, including those facing economic hardship and those experiencing other stressors.

• Parent Educators are trained professionals embedded in their local communities.

• Parent Education strengthens school readiness and long-term academic success and is supported by decades of research showing measurable benefits for children and families.
• Continued investment in Parent Education is a cost-effective approach that benefits children, families, and communities statewide.

Personal stories and local data make your message stronger.

• Program or District Name:
• Communities or Counties Served:
• Families Served Annually:
• Brief Success Story or Example:

Sample Email to a Legislator
Feel free to copy, paste, and personalize this message.

Subject: Supporting Missouri Parents as Teachers Parent Education Programs in Our Community

Dear [Representative/Senator Name],

I am writing to share the impact of our local Parents as Teachers Parent Education program in [community or district name]. Our program supports families by strengthening parenting skills, promoting healthy child development, and preparing children for success in school and beyond.

We serve [number] families across [communities/counties]. We support all families with children prenatal to kindergarten entry including families facing economic hardship, teen parents, and families with young children who benefit from early support.

Missouri Parents as Teachers Parent Education home visiting programs play a critical role in strengthening families and supporting children during their earliest years. These services are supported in partnership with local school districts and through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and funded through House Bill 2, which for over 30 years has recognizes the importance of early childhood and parent education services across the state.

Continued support for these programs allows us to meet families where they are and make a meaningful difference in our community.

Thank you for your service and for your continued support of Missouri families. I would welcome the opportunity to share more about our program or answer any questions.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title or Role]
[Program or District Name]
[Contact Information]

Optional Phone or Meeting Script

If you call or meet with a legislator, keep it brief and personal.

“Hello, my name is [Name], and I work with a Parents as Teachers Parent Education program in [community]. I wanted to share how our program supports families and helps children be ready for school. We serve [number] families this year and see firsthand how early support makes a difference. Thank you for your continued support of Missouri families.”

Advocacy Tips

• You do not need to include all of this. Even one personal sentence makes a difference.

• Keep your message short and respectful

• Use local examples whenever possible

• Thank legislators for their time and service

• Follow up if you do not receive a response

You are the expert on your community. Your experience and perspective matter. By sharing your story, you help ensure Parent Education programs continue to support Missouri families now and in the future.

Thank you for advocating for families.

1. Advocacy Summit Registration (Tues 11:30am-5:00pm): Google Form
1. Cost is $50 / Person and includes lunch
2. To pay for with a credit card: Payment via Every Action
2. Hotel Block (Tues Night): Capitol Plaza Hotel

1. You can stay here and the discounted room rate is $99 / Night
2. You can apply for a Travel Funds Grant via this Google Form

1. Child Advocacy Day 2026 Registration (Wed 9am-12pm+): Every Action

1. There is no cost to attend the day at the Capitol. We do ask for registration as we provide lunch and have funding tied to the attendee records.

Advocacy starts with connection. Below are trusted ways to stay informed, build relationships, and amplify the voices of families and Parent Education programs across Missouri.

Start Here: Join MOPATA’s Monday Collaborative Calls

The MOPATA Monday Collaborative Calls provide monthly connection, updates, and shared learning for Parent Educators, supervisors, and partners across Missouri. These calls often include timely policy updates, resources, and opportunities to engage in advocacy efforts that support families and early childhood programs.

👉 Join the Monday Collaborative Calls: mopata.org

Missouri Office of Childhood Mailing List (DESE)

Stay informed about statewide early childhood initiatives, resources, and engagement opportunities through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Childhood.

👉 Sign up for the Childhood Connections newsletter

Kids Win Missouri Email Updates

Kids Win Missouri is a statewide advocacy organization focused on policies that improve outcomes for children and families. Their updates include legislative alerts, advocacy opportunities, and child-focused policy news.

👉 Join the Kids Win Missouri mailing list

Kids Win Missouri Home Visiting Coalition

The Home Visiting Coalition brings together programs, advocates, and partners to strengthen and advance home visiting and family support services across Missouri.

👉 Learn more and get involved

Why These Connections Matter

By staying connected, you can:

• Receive timely updates on early childhood and Parent Education policy

• Participate in advocacy opportunities that support families

• Learn from peers across the state

• Share your local experience to inform statewide decisions

Your voice matters. Staying connected helps ensure Parent Education programs continue to support Missouri families.

We want to celebrate the incredible work happening in Parent as Teachers programs across Missouri. Use this quick form to share stories, parent quotes, photos, or shout-outs to your team. We’ll share these with your district, the Office of Childhood, and even legislators so they can see the powerful impact you’re making for families, schools, and communities. Submitting regularly, maybe as part of your monthly staff meeting, is a simple way to keep telling your story and inspiring others!

Parent educators see the real impact of this work every day. Sharing your experience helps ensure programs remain strong and responsive to families across Missouri.

Email: skerperin@mopata.org
Website: mopata.org
Facebook: facebook.com/mopata4kids

Facebook MOPATA Parent Educator Group: facebook.com/share/19bWZchGC8/

Twitter: @mopata4kids