National Parents as Teachers Day

Every year on November 8, National Parents as Teachers Day recognizes and celebrates the role of parents, caregivers, and home visitors in early childhood learning and development—highlighting how family-based education and support create strong starts for children.

History of National Parents as Teachers Day

The observance is led by the organization Parents as Teachers National Center, originally founded by Mildred Winter in the early 1980s with the aim to support parents as their children’s first and most important teachers.
By November 8, the organization had designated this date as “Parents as Teachers Day” to raise awareness around home-visitation programs, early childhood education, and the importance of trusting partnerships between caregivers and educators.

Why is National Parents as Teachers Day important?

This day underscores the vital role parents and caregivers play in early development—pointing out that children’s learning begins long before formal schooling and that when parents are supported as educators, children are more likely to thrive.
It also draws attention to the often-under-recognized field of home visiting and parent-education programs, advocating for resources, support, and policy to strengthen the family-child-educator triangle.

• It affirms that parents are their children’s first teachers.
• It highlights programs that support caregivers during early childhood.
• It encourages sharing of stories and best practices for home-based learning.
• It prompts communities and policymakers to invest in early childhood support services.
• It builds awareness of how early relationships and environments shape children’s future learning.

How to Celebrate National Parents as Teachers Day

On this day, individuals and organizations can focus on acknowledging and uplifting the work of parent-educators, home-visitors, caregivers, and all those who partner with families to enhance early childhood outcomes. Consider sharing thanks, hosting a community gathering, or engaging in an activity that supports parent-child learning.
At home, caregivers might set aside time for a shared learning activity—reading, exploring, talking—and reflect on how their role supports development. Employing simple questions like “What did we notice?” or “What might we try next?” helps strengthen the parent-as-educator mindset.

• Write a thank-you note to a parent educator or home-visitor who has supported your family.
• Organize a family reading or play session that emphasizes parent-child interaction.
• Share a story on social media about how your parent-or-caregiver role has grown and tag #ParentsAsTeachersDay.
• Invite a local early-childhood program or community center to talk about parent education and support services.
• Reflect on how your home environment encourages curiosity and learning, and plan one change for next week.

National Parents as Teachers Day Dates Table