Laurens County First Steps Celebrates National Parents as Teachers Parent Educator Day

Recognizing the dedication of Parent Educators Kathryn Meadows and Jackie Riegel

On November 8, 2025, communities across the country will come together to recognize National Parents as Teachers Parent Educator Day—a day dedicated to celebrating the parents, caregivers, home visitors, and early childhood champions who walk side by side with families during their children’s earliest years.

At Laurens County First Steps, we proudly recognize Parent Educators Kathryn Meadows and Jackie Riegel, who bring the nationally recognized Parents as Teachers evidence-based home visiting model to families across Laurens County. Through their compassion, expertise, and unwavering dedication, Kathryn and Jackie help ensure that every family they serve is seen, supported, and empowered from the very beginning.

Between them, Kathryn and Jackie have served 93 families and 118 children under the age of five through the Laurens County First Steps Parents as Teachers program. Each home visit focuses on strengthening the parent-child bond, supporting early learning, and empowering parents to be their child’s first and most important teacher.

Parents as Teachers is a national home visiting program with over 1,300 affiliates across the United States and an expanding global presence. The program emphasizes building strong parent-child bonds, encouraging early learning, and preparing children to succeed in school. Research indicates that families involved in the program experience better child development results, improved family well-being, and greater school readiness.

In Laurens County, the Parents as Teachers program has become a key part of early childhood support. Through regular home visits, developmental screenings, and parent group meetings, families gain the knowledge and confidence to help their children succeed.

“Parent Educator Day is an opportunity to celebrate the relationships that truly make a difference in children’s lives,” said Toni Able, Executive Director of Laurens County First Steps. “Kathryn and Jackie go above and beyond every day to empower parents and nurture the next generation of learners in our community.”

One local mother recently shared, “When I first joined Parents as Teachers, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But my parent educator helped me see how small moments—such as reading together or discussing colors—make a big difference. My child is now excited about learning, and I feel confident as a parent.” Stories like this reflect the heart of the program and the impact of dedicated parent educators who walk alongside families every step of the way.

Laurens County First Steps invites families and community members to join in showing appreciation for Kathryn and Jackie throughout the week of November 8 by sharing messages of thanks and encouragement.

For more information about the Parents as Teachers program or to learn how to enroll, visit www.scfirststeps.org/laurens or call (864) 984-8130.