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Resource Directory

Last Updated On: 09/29/2025
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ARIN Intermediate Unit 28, Family Focus Program

FFP

Organizational Information

Parent Organization

ARIN IU 28

Vision, Mission and/or Purpose of Organization

An early learning program to support the development of young children as well as providing parent education.

History of Organization

The Family Focus Program was designed to support the needs of parents and children so that every child enters school ready to learn and succeed. At its core, the program uses the nationally recognized Parents as Teachers (PAT) model, an evidence-based home visiting program that has been proven effective in strengthening families, promoting positive child development, and improving school readiness. The need for the program is rooted in the challenges many families face—especially in rural communities—where access to early childhood resources, parenting support, and developmental screenings can be limited. Research consistently shows that the early years of a child’s life are critical for brain development, social-emotional growth, and laying the foundation for lifelong learning. Families who experience poverty, housing instability, or limited access to health and educational services often face additional barriers that impact both the parent’s confidence and the child’s readiness for school.

Affiliations

Parents As Teachers (PAT)

Legal Structure

Other

Funding Sources

Local State

Contact Information

Key Leader(s)

Andrea Sheesley -  Director of Early Learning, School and Community Services
7244635300
asheesley@iu28.org
Robin Fiedler -  Family Educator
rfiedler@iu28.org

Contact Person(s)

Andrea Sheesley
7244635300
asheesley@iu28.org

Primary Address

ARIN IU 28
2895 W Pike
Indiana, PA 15701
Indiana, PA, 15701

Service Information

Service Area

Armstrong and Indiana Counties

Service Description

Providing parents with knowledge and resources to support their child’s development from prenatal through kindergarten entry.

Conducting regular home visits where trained parent educators share child development information, model effective interactions, and help families set goals.

Offering developmental and health screenings to identify potential delays early and connect families with appropriate interventions.

Building connections between families and local schools, health providers, and community resources to create a strong support network.

By focusing on parent engagement as the child’s first and most important teacher, the Family Focus Program addresses not only the immediate needs of families but also invests in the long-term success of children entering the education system. This program has grown from a recognition that families thrive when they have trusted guidance and support, and children thrive when their parents are equipped to nurture learning from the very beginning.

Keywords

Home Visiting Parent Education Early Childhood Education

Available Hours

8 am- 4:15 pm

Fees/Cost for Services

No cost

Eligibility Requirements

UPMC for You Insurance Referral from Children and Youth Services

How to Access Services or Schedule Appointments

ARIN IU 28