PROGRAM OFFERS CHILDREN A LEG UP ON ACADEMICS

Nathan Davis of Jackson glowed with a sense of accomplishment after successfully building his pyramid. Larissa Petzoldt from Jackson giggled and blinked as Fred the Bunny hopped past her eyes.

Both 4-year-old children joined with approximately 40 other youngsters ages 18 months to 5 years and participated this past week in an educational development screening checkup sponsored by Parents as Teachers at the Primary Annex School in Jackson.

Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a free and voluntary program which provides home visits and group meetings to parents. The aim of the gathering is to give children the best possible start in life during their preschool years.

The cornerstone of the program is the "home" visit. During these meetings, parents can ask questions about a child's accomplishments, learn new games appropriate for the child's age, and read through information helpful to the growth of the child.

Group meetings are offered which allow parents to share experiences and learn through guest speakers or special topics.

Educational check-ups are also provided through the program. These help gauge the child's development of motor skills, sight and hearing.

As Nathan stacked his blocks he was observed and rated on his motor skills. He also stepped up and caught a bean bag and identified different symbols being pointed out on a chart.

Larissa watched Fred the Bunny as Claudette Hency, one of the Jackson R-2 district nurses, watched for a blink response She was checked on her ability to "track" Fred with her eyes both up and down and right to left. Other eye tests were given as well.

The children were also weighed, measured and screened for any hearing problems.

Larissa's mother, LaDonna, stayed with her child during the testing though her child showed no real apprehension. "She's loves these games and has played many of them at our home during the home visits," LaDonna Petzoldt said.

The Petzoldt family has participated in Parents As Teachers beginning five years ago when their oldest son was born. Today Larissa takes part in the program as will her 9-month-old baby brother.

"Parents As Teachers" helps me all year long," said Mrs. Petzoldt. "I like everything that Parents as Teachers does and especially appreciate the home visits. They teach what is the right thing for the kids at the right time."

Karen Enloe, parent educator of PAT adds, "The intent of the program is early intervention. We look for normal development for a child.

"The most natural way to observe a child is in their homes," she said, explaining that during home visits, the children are observed while playing with familiar toys in a familiar setting. This gives PAT workers the opportunity to observe the child through growth and conversation and also to detect any developmental delays the child might be suffering.

"We are purely a screening vehicle," Enloe added. "If we notice a problem then we talk with the parents and refer them to a speech clinic, or their pediatrician, depending on the problem.

"If we can recognize a problem before a child enters kindergarten, then they don't have to be set aside to begin working at that time."

PAT is a voluntary program for all families based on the belief that parents are a child's first and most influential teachers.

The idea of the home being a child's first schoolhouse started 10 years ago in the Jefferson City school district. The program spread throughout Missouri and is now found nationwide. PAT is administered by local school districts with funding from the state Department of Education.

Fred Jones, assistant superintendent of the Jackson school district, supervises the PAT program locally.

"It is a real benefit for children as they enter kindergarten through the twelfth grade," he said. "It's a head start for the children plus it offers a compassionate parent educator for the parents."

Carolyn Beasley was the first parent educator hired by the district on a part-time basis. Today she is a full-time worker and is celebrating her 10th year.

"We are very fortunate to have an administration and school board which are supportive and concerned about the well-being of the program," said Beasley. "Five years ago we located in the Primary Annex with our own room. With the growing need in the district for schoolroom space it's a real show of support to have this."

Many of the families involved have a great appreciation for Parents As Teachers.

"I like all the information I get through the program," said Nathan's mom, Carolyn Davis. "The best part is when our parent educator comes to the house. When Nathan sees her he loves to show off and show her all the new things he's learned."

The next PAT group meeting will be held April 20, the topic will be child and home safety. There will also be an opportunity to have children fingerprinted at that meeting. All group meetings are held at the Primary Annex beginning at 7 p.m.