Joplin Schools’ Parents as Teachers Update

Joplin Schools’ Parents as Teachers (PAT) has been crack-a-lackin’! Read below to learn more about upcoming programs and initiatives.

Kindergarten Bootcamp and Preschool Screenings

We have launched our Kindergarten Bootcamp visits for children who will be attending kindergarten in the fall of 2023. This will provide opportunities for future students and their families to attend special preschool visits in the 2023–2024 school year. Parent Educators will offer ideas and activities to help make the transition to kindergarten smooth for the entire family. To find out more, view the Kindergarten Bootcamp flyer here.

We have also launched our preschool screenings to fill the Fall 2023 classes at Joplin Early Childhood! Families with children who will be three or four years old before August 1 are now eligible for free preschool. Enrollment numbers for Fall 2022 classes are limited, so interested parents should schedule a preschool screening and fill out an interest form as soon as possible. Please make sure to schedule your child’s screening before submitting your form! View the informational flyer here.

How to Partner with Joplin PAT

For those who are interested in supporting Joplin PAT, there are four different options that individuals or groups can do to help.

Option 1: We are looking for formal partners who have a heart for Joplin’s littlest Eagles! If your business, faith-based organization, club, or team wants to share in the work of supporting Joplin’s infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, now is your moment! There are a variety of ways to do this, including partnering with Joplin’s Bright Futures. This can be done by completing the Joplin Bright Futures Partner Agreement here.

Option 2: If you aren’t interested in a formal partnership, there’s still ways you can help! Joplin PAT is partnering with One Joplin’s Education & Literacy Team to host this year’s One Joplin Children’s Literacy Resource Drive in May 2023. Joplin PAT will receive donated supplies for visits and books will be used to supply blessing boxes and other community locations with free books. If you would be interested in hosting a drive at your office/agency or being a drop-off location for donations, please contact Kerri Clouse, Parents as Teachers Program Coordinator.

Our friends at Southwest Missouri Bank have already agreed to host drop-off locations at all their Joplin branches this year!

If you want to purchase items for the One Joplin Literacy Resource Drive, you can visit their Amazon wish list here. Items purchased for the drive will be shipped directly to Joplin PAT. This is a convenient way to help our community with just a few clicks on your phone!

Option 3: You or your organization could also consider writing a check to Joplin PAT so we can do the shopping for you. You would be provided with a list of items that were purchased through your donation so you know exactly how your generous donation impacts families in our community.

Joplin PAT Thanks You for Your Continued Support

Your support of Joplin PAT in our community is what keeps our program growing and successful! It takes a village, and we couldn’t do it without you.

Reference:

Kerri Clouse, Parents as Teachers Program Coordinator
Joplin Schools
417.208.2069
kerriclouse@joplinschools.org