Parent Promise Earns National Blue Ribbon Status in Major Quality Milestone

Parent Promise, a leading home visiting provider in Oklahoma County, has secured national recognition after being awarded Blue Ribbon Affiliate status by Parents as Teachers, the largest evidence-based early childhood home visiting programme in the United States. The designation, announced on 9 December in Oklahoma City, marks the first time the organisation has achieved the accolade and places it among the highest-performing affiliates within the Parents as Teachers international network.

A rigorous endorsement process

The Blue Ribbon status is regarded as the benchmark of excellence for organisations delivering early childhood home visiting services, signalling adherence to rigorous quality standards and faithful implementation of the Parents as Teachers model. Affiliates seeking endorsement must complete a detailed Quality Endorsement Improvement Process every five years. The review assesses operational fidelity, service quality and programme impact, ensuring that recipients consistently meet national expectations for effectiveness and accountability.

For Parent Promise, the designation highlights the organisation’s commitment to strengthening outcomes for families in Oklahoma County. Its service model combines personalised home visits, group connections, child screening and links to community support resources. The approach is designed to equip parents with the tools, knowledge and confidence needed to foster healthy development and ensure children are prepared for school.

Leadership response and significance

Executive director Chris Siemens said the endorsement followed a comprehensive internal and external evaluation. “To earn the Blue Ribbon Endorsement, we underwent a rigorous self-study and review process from the National Center. The process confirms that we are meeting Parents as Teachers’ standards of fidelity and quality,” he said. “Blue Ribbon Affiliates are exemplary programs, delivering the highest quality services to children and families.”

The significance of fidelity in evidence-based models has become increasingly prominent in the home visiting sector, where service consistency is directly tied to programme outcomes. Ensuring that affiliates deliver interventions as originally designed enables long-term monitoring, replicability and assurance that families receive the full intended benefit. The endorsement process not only validates operational quality but also reinforces the organisation’s credibility with funders, policymakers and community partners.

Building greater visibility and community impact

Siemens said the recognition has broader implications for Parent Promise’s visibility and outreach. “Being recognized as a Blue Ribbon program is a powerful validation of our work with Oklahoma County families. This recognition increases our visibility and strengthens our ability to reach parents who may feel isolated or unsure of where to turn. With greater awareness and support, we can stand beside even more families, offering the trusted guidance, resources, and encouragement they need to build safe, nurturing homes for their children,” he added.

Parents as Teachers operates one of the most extensive early childhood home visiting networks globally, with affiliates across the United States and multiple international locations. Its emphasis on parent–child interaction, early detection of developmental delays and strengthened family wellbeing has made it a flagship model in the early years sector.

Recognition at 2026 international conference

The announcement also sets the stage for Parent Promise’s participation in the 2026 Parents as Teachers International Conference, scheduled for October next year. The Blue Ribbon Affiliates will be formally recognised at a dedicated reception during the four-day event, which is one of the largest professional gatherings in the field. More than 1,800 attendees, both in-person and online, are expected to join educational sessions, strategic discussions and networking activities aimed at advancing best practice in early childhood support.

Positioned for future growth

For Parent Promise, the endorsement is likely to strengthen future funding applications, partnerships and regional influence. As policymakers increasingly prioritise preventative and family-focused interventions, organisations that can demonstrate proven impact and strict adherence to evidence-based methods may find themselves well-positioned for growth.

With the Blue Ribbon status now secured, Parent Promise is poised to expand its reach while maintaining its commitment to high-quality service delivery. The endorsement not only recognises the organisation’s work to date but also signals confidence in its continued role in improving outcomes for young children and their families across Oklahoma County.