Tara Gerling, a Caruthersville kindergarten teacher, traveled to Jefferson City to talk to the Elementary and Secondary Education Committee about funding for a Child Health Management Services program in Pemiscot County. This program encompasses an early childhood daycare for those children (birth to age 5) with special needs (two or more disablilities or autism) in Pemiscot County. It would incorporate speech, physical and occupational therapy in an everyday setting. Many times these children may only get an hour of therapy a week. Working with the children on a daily basis will provide better early intervention to help them have a greater opportunity for success upon entering elementary school. This bill would be a Pilot Program for Pemiscot County only, and then if it is successful, legislation would open it up to poverty counties in Missouri. This petition is here to show legislators just how many people care about this bill and to get it passed. Please show your support!
I have spent my mornings in my classroom thinking about the students who graduate from my care but fall through the gaps because they lack daily access to the therapy they need. The stories many of you have shared in the comments prove that this is not just my struggle but a daily reality for families across our county. We are quietly putting together a packet of these experiences to hand directly to the committee members who determine the fate of this pilot program.
May 2, 2012
Seeing this kind of momentum feels like a weight lifting off my shoulders for the kids in Pemiscot County. Knowing that so many of you grasp why daily therapy is non-negotiable for these children makes me believe we might actually pull this off.
3 Comments
R
Rick May
14 years ago
Featured
EVERY CHILD DESERVES A CHANCE. DO THE RIGHT THING JEFFERSON CITY.
B
Brenda Hunt
14 years ago
Featured
my grandson would have benefited so much from this when he was younger. an hour a week is nothing compared to daily help. pass this bill now!
S
Sarah Kennedy
14 years ago
Featured
this is exactly what we need here in missouri. tara is spot on because early intervention changes everything for these kids.
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Tara Gerling, a Caruthersville kindergarten teacher, traveled to Jefferson City to talk to the Elementary and Secondary Education Committee about funding for a Child Health Management Services program in Pemiscot County. This program encompasses an early childhood daycare for those children (birth to age 5) with special needs (two or more disablilities or autism) in Pemiscot County. It would incorporate speech, physical and occupational therapy in an everyday setting. Many times these children may only get an hour of therapy a week. Working with the children on a daily basis will provide better early intervention to help them have a greater opportunity for success upon entering elementary school. This bill would be a Pilot Program for Pemiscot County only, and then if it is successful, legislation would open it up to poverty counties in Missouri. This petition is here to show legislators just how many people care about this bill and to get it passed. Please show your support!
I have spent my mornings in my classroom thinking about the students who graduate from my care but fall through the gaps because they lack daily access to the therapy they need. The stories many of you have shared in the comments prove that this is not just my struggle but a daily reality for families across our county. We are quietly putting together a packet of these experiences to hand directly to the committee members who determine the fate of this pilot program.
May 2, 2012
Seeing this kind of momentum feels like a weight lifting off my shoulders for the kids in Pemiscot County. Knowing that so many of you grasp why daily therapy is non-negotiable for these children makes me believe we might actually pull this off.
3 Comments
R
Rick May
14 years ago
Featured
EVERY CHILD DESERVES A CHANCE. DO THE RIGHT THING JEFFERSON CITY.
B
Brenda Hunt
14 years ago
Featured
my grandson would have benefited so much from this when he was younger. an hour a week is nothing compared to daily help. pass this bill now!
S
Sarah Kennedy
14 years ago
Featured
this is exactly what we need here in missouri. tara is spot on because early intervention changes everything for these kids.
EVERY CHILD DESERVES A CHANCE. DO THE RIGHT THING JEFFERSON CITY.