What’s a Patty Center?
Patty Centers are dedicated hubs designed to assist parents and caregivers in overcoming the challenges of raising young children while promoting their overall well-being. Each year, these centers support over 3,000 parents in completing their education, acquiring job readiness skills, building strong social networks, and enhancing their parenting abilities. Simultaneously, the centers provide state-of-the-art early care and education for their children, from birth to age three, ensuring they reach their full potential. By offering a comprehensive range of free services—including high-quality child development care, parenting education, and support for personal and professional goals—Patty Centers foster optimal child development, effective parenting, and robust support networks.
Patty Centers are strategically placed in communities that demonstrate a significant need for supportive services. These locations are selected based on various factors, including high levels of economic disadvantage, limited access to early childhood resources, and overall community vulnerability. By focusing on areas with substantial needs, Patty Centers aim to bridge gaps in service availability and reach families who might otherwise lack access to crucial support. The centers are intended to create a positive impact in these underserved areas by providing comprehensive services that foster family stability, child development, and community engagement. To address the growing demand, the Blueprint mandates the expansion of Patty Centers by three new sites annually from FY 2024 to FY 2030, ensuring broader reach and increased support for families across the state.