RESOURCE VAN FOR PARENTS TAKES TO THE ROAD IN CAPE

Stacie Creasman learned the basics of operating a computer last week before she took the machine home to use with her two daughters.

The computer, and the advice, were free -- a part of a parent resource program of the Cape Girardeau public schools.

"The Parent Thing," a mobile parent resource center, has taken to the road.

For a month at a time, the now mobile unit will be parked at one of the four elementary schools involved in Chapter 1, a federal remedial reading and math program: Washington, May Greene, Franklin, and Jefferson, explained Syd Fleming, coordinator of the program.

In November the van will be at May Greene, December at Jefferson, January at Franklin, February at Washington, March at May Greene, April at Jefferson, and May at Franklin.

Eligible parents may use the resource center while it is at any of the schools.

"We treat it like a library, but the parent has to check things out and the parent has to return things. They can't send it with the child; it's strictly a parent thing," Fleming said.

For parents like Creasman, "The Parent Thing" provides supplies -- like the computer, books, tapes, games -- all designed to make learning fun. Fleming is available with suggestions and recommendations on how to make the items work for children.

"This is like a really smart tutor," Creasman said of the program. "And Jamie catches on to this real fast."

Creasman's daughter, Jamie, a third-grader at Washington Elementary School, is enrolled in the remedial reading program, which makes her mother eligible for "The Parent Thing."

"This program is absolutely wonderful," said Creasman. "I've had as much fun as the girls. And there is no greater reward for a parent than to see your children enjoy learning."

Creasman's younger daughter Lynsie, who is a second-grader, is not in the program, but she uses the same items while they are at home.

The program is funded entirely through federal money. A grant paid for the new van and all the supplies inside.

"The Parent Thing" is only available to parents of children enrolled in Cape Girardeau's Chapter 1 program.

Before taking the computer home Creasman learned how to play the "Wheel of Fortune" game. "I'm a single parent," she said. "There is no way I could afford to buy things like this. It's just great."

Fleming explained: "We have four computers available for checkout. I always have a waiting list."

Most items can be checked out for a week. The computers go home for two weeks.

Last year the program operated at Washington school. But some parents from other schools had difficulty getting to the location. Now the supplies have been loaded into a specially-designed trailer.

"We hope to get more business," Fleming said.

"Right now it's just for Chapter 1 parents, but down the road I would like to see us write another grant and make this available to all parents," she said.

"It makes a big difference to the child and the school when parents are involved in education."

In addition to the resource center, Fleming has established a parent honor roll. Parents can earn a T-shirt or tote bag by working with their children through the resource center.