THE PUBLIC MIND: PARENT PRAISES ASSISTANCE FROM PARENTS AS TEACHERS

Dear Editor and Mr. Richard Bollwerk:

I may not be many parents as you so stated in the article in the April 23 Southeast Missourian. But I am a parent who has four children, ages one to seven, that has been involved with Parents as Teachers since 1985. I'm sure I am speaking for many more when I say that we do not measure love by the amount of dollars the way some administrators only gather their statistics. We defend Parents as Teachers more than your statistics will ever show.

Susan Bartlett has been there for me all seven years to discuss a hearing loss in one child, a behavior problem in another and to convince me to see a doctor about my infant's disability that was not diagnosed. She was only a phone call away, night or day.

It is unfortunate what is happening to our economy. I will voluntarily quit the program so a new mother can receive guidance from a parent educator for her first child.

I will never be able to express all my thanks to the Parents as Teaches program. The love they gave me was tremendous since 1985.

To Susan: Kyle Cara, Abby and Ross will always love you for the love and time you spent with each one.

With great appreciation

Donna Miller

Cape Girardeau