Parents as Teachers UPDATE
Below is a letter from Liberty Public Schools Director of Early Childhood Education Becky Gossett sent earlier this week regarding changes to the LPS Parents as Teachers program:
August 3, 2010
Dear PAT Families,
As you know by now, the Parents as Teachers programs across Missouri took quite a hit in the spring when our legislature made severe cuts in funding. In July, the state clarified how this would affect Liberty PAT. Thankfully, our school district will continue to put local funds into the program at the same level as 2009-2010. Because of this, we will be able to provide more service than originally thought, even though services will be reduced. We now have an idea of what our “redesigned” PAT program will look.
Our goal is for each family with a child under age 3 to receive 2 visits with a possibility of additional visits. Children ages 6 months -3 years will be eligible to receive a screening, either during these visits or at another time as determined by the parents and parent educator.
At this time there are limited possibilities for visits for children after their 3rd birthday, but we will continue to explore this. We will offer screenings for three, four and five year olds at the Early Childhood Center by appointment just as we have in the past.
In some cases, the parent educator for a family may change. Each parent educator will work less and this causes some redistribution of caseloads. We are in the process of assigning an appropriate number of families for each to serve. Sadly, we will say good-bye to longtime staff member Rhonda Cox. She resigned this summer and we will miss her experience and expertise. We have excellent parent educators ready to serve Rhonda’s families so that all will still benefit from the program.
We no longer have funding for group meetings. Group meetings have been very popular with our families, so we are planning to do a limited number of them and are asking families to make a voluntary donation when they arrive, if possible. Families that can’t afford to make a donation will certainly be welcome; we just hope to defray costs a bit. The first group meeting will be Messy Mania, September 10 and 11, Friday evening and Saturday morning. Watch your email (do we have your email address?) or check our website for more information.
I urge you to KEEP YOUR APPOINTMENTS with your parent educator. This is more important than ever! Missed appointments cost the program time and money. In most cases, the parent educator will not be able to make up missed visits unless given plenty of notice. Because the funding could be cut again (as Governor Nixon did last school year) at any time, we will be reevaluating our plans throughout the year. If changes are made, we will contact our families via email.
Liberty Public Schools is asking patrons to take an online interview to help with strategic planning. Your input is important in this process. Please log onto the website, www.liberty.k12.mo.us, and click on “LPS needs your input” to participate in this process. Your comments can impact the district and your young child’s education for years to come!
On a personal note, I am very appreciative of the support for PAT that many of you gave last year through advocacy with legislators. Your comments were heard, even thought the outcome was disappointing. Thanks also to the 220 families who gave feedback through our Parent Survey. We read each comment and use your ideas to help us improve. Our excellent staff, information, and commitment are still part of Liberty Parents as Teachers. I believe there will be better days ahead!
Thank you for your participation in PAT!
Sincerely,
Becky Gossett
Director, Early Childhood Education
Liberty Public Schools
