PARENTS AS TEACHERS GIVES KIDS A GOOD START

When it comes to children, the first teachers are the most important. And that education comes even before a child takes his first step into a classroom.

Just as school has geared up this fall, so has the Parents as Teachers program.

All Missourians - both parents and non-parents - can be proud of our state's acclaimed program. It has served as a model for 34 other states and several foreign countries.

Now, Sen. Christopher Bond has proposed legislation that would expanded Missouri's program nationwide. The bill would set up a $100 million competition grant program; the costs would eventually be absorbed by the states. It's a good idea. More children could benefit from this innovative program.

All districts offer the program, since the state mandate in 1985-86. In Southeast Missouri, the largest program operates in Cape Girardeau. With the addition of a fourth parent educator this year, Coordinator Susan Bartlett says they'll reach about 350 families this year.

New parent meetings will gear up next week. The voluntary program is free of charge to parents.

The program targets children birth to age three. The parent educators don't tell parents how to raise their children, but provide advice on how to build on their strengths. They also give emotional support, but providing new parents with realistic expectations about normal development.

Throughout the school year, the educators will make four to five home visits, with a minimum four parent meetings at the school.

Studies have proved that the program can make a world of difference. A key to its success is increased parent involvement in their child's learning and development. The foundation of a child's overall skills, especially language, are developed by the age of three. That means parents can have a remarkable impact on their early development.

School systems have also found that parents who take an early interest in their child's development are more actively involved in the child's school-age education.

Although there are no local statistics, state studies have determined that children who participate in Parents As Teachers show improved academic and social development skills.