EDUCARE READIES CHILDREN FOR SCHOOLS

A new program called Educare opened its doors today to help prepare children for school and schools for children.

Educare is a state initiative funded through the Missouri Department of Social Services with a $179,000 grant. An open house Tuesday introduced services for families, child-care providers and schools.

Educare co-director Shelba Branscum said the program links community agencies and services for children and fills in gaps for children and families.

"The focus is on helping children get ready for school by linking families with community services," said Cathy Mogharreban, co-director of the program.

She and Branscum also are faculty members of the university's human environmental studies department.

All families in Cape Girardeau with children aged newborn through 5 may participate in in-home screenings and assessments. No income guidelines apply.

The program provides information on child development, health, discipline, nutrition, support groups and referrals to community programs and agencies.

For example, Educare will have information about programs like the public school's Parents as Teachers and the Department of Social Services' First Steps so parents can enroll their children.

In addition, Mogharreban said, organizers will look for services Cape Girardeau children need but aren't being offered.

The Educare program is similar to the Caring Communities project already working in Cape Girardeau schools. That project helps families of school-age children link up with social service agencies.

Tim Niggle, school district personnel director, said Educare seems a natural extension of that program.

Branscum said, "Most families can use a little help."

In addition to working with parents, Educare is working with child-care providers and kindergarten teachers.

"No one ever prepares the kindergarten teachers for that early entrance," Branscum explained. "A child walks into the kindergarten classroom and the teacher has no knowledge of the child's past five years, of what support he has or doesn't have."

A meeting is being scheduled for kindergarten teachers to talk about what schools can do to become more prepared for the arrival of kindergarteners.

Educare also offers a family resource center with videos and brochures available to parents and to teachers. A hotline is also available for quick referrals and information at 651-9171.