This free program has already shown remarkable results. Jane Wyatt teaches the adult education portion of the program at Jane Phillips where many adults have earned GED’s, others are working towards other educational goals or improving their English. However it is the benefits to the children that will continue to be seen for years to come as these children succeed both in school and in life.
An adult student and mother of two, Valerie works at Jane Phillips in School Age Care, she says meeting for class a few hours in the morning is very convenient for her schedule. “Working in the school system, I saw how important education is, I took the GED hoping my kids would see that example.”
After just earning her GED, Valerie now plans to continue with adult education, she’s currently studying for the Oklahoma General Education Test (OGET). This test will allow Valerie to be certified as a highly qualified teaching assistant. “I study for the OGET every morning, it’s nice to refresh your memory and the staff is so supportive and helpful. They make you feel very comfortable,” she said. Scholarships are available for adults taking the GED or the OGET to help offset testing fees.
The Parent and Child Togetherness (PACT) portion of the program occurs weekly for one hour. It offers time for parents and children to play and work together. “It’s quality time when parents listen to and learn about their children, observe them as they learn through play, build on their ideas and encourage them to use language and exercise their imaginations,” said Karen Kerr, Bartlesville Even Start Program Director. “It’s designed around the children’s interests. PACT time is a key factor in children’s success as readers.”
PACT time gives parents the chance to read to their children, sing with their children, and do crafts, all led by the child’s interests. The goals of PACT time are to help parents see themselves as teachers in their family, to help parents see how their child learns best, and to provide an opportunity for parents to interact with their children in a learning environment where teachers can model learning strategies and offer support. On this April morning, parents were singing with their children, coloring eggs for Easter, and selecting a free book for their child to keep; the books were donated by First Book National Book Bank.
Cindy Garrett serves as teacher for the Early Childhood Education class for preschoolers, her teaching assistant is Libby Merrit. Garrett says PACT affects the whole family. “It’s a great learning experience, it builds self esteem for both children and parents. PACT helps parents understand what their child needs to be working on.”
Parents with older children visit their child’s classroom at whatever elementary school or grade they attend. “It’s a time for a parent and child to interact together, it’s a great learning experience and builds self esteem for both,” Garrett said. “This program reaches them on whatever level they are at.”
Without question, the Even Start Family Literacy Program is changing lives. It is bringing families together, assisting parents to improve their educational opportunities, providing parenting skills and support and improving communication with parents and teachers. This free program is offered at Jane Phillips and Oak Park Elementaries, however, families who reside in other school boundaries are still eligible to attend. For more information, please contact Karen Kerr, Even Start/ Family Literacy Program Director, 336-4655.