When we were in the hospital after delivering Jackson they brought by all this information. One of the pamphlets talked about Parents as Teachers. Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a program where a trained "teacher" comes to your house and supposedly works with you, the parent, to help you "teach" your child (hence the name). Now in the information on the program it all sounds good. Who wouldn't want someone to show them special tips and tricks for helping their child learn? So I signed up.
Our first visit was when Jackson was 6 months old. The lady, I'll call her C, came over and "evaluated" Jackson to see where he was developmentally. C also asked at least three times if we received WIC or food stamps. The first time I said "no". Then I got a bit irritated. I am not saying there is anything wrong with people who receive government assistance, but I just don't happen to be one of them. C also inquired, several times, whether or not there was a father in the picture....hmmmm, ok, that isn't really any of her business, but whatever. I thought maybe this was just and initial get to know you type thing, so I went with it.
The second visit went pretty much as the first. "Is J doing this? Great, What about that? Great". But C still threw in a few questions that made me pause. Such as, "Is there enough formula around?" or "Does he seem to like the food from WIC?" Okay, as I said on our previous visit, I don't receive WIC. I almost wanted to offer for her to look through our cabinets. She also again inquired about a father being in the picture. At this visit she also managed to get J's age and name wrong....several times.
The third visit was slightly better, but more of the same. She got J's age wrong again, but at least she had stopped with the ridiculous questions. The next few visits went alright. She would come over and ask questions and then say, "Well he is just doing so great." Not so much with the tips and tricks, this one. On a local mommie's board I belong to other people raved about their Parents as Teachers person. "OOOO" the would gush, "They showed me the neatest trick"
So that brings us to today, which will be our last visit. C once again came over and "evaluated" J. "Oh, he is just doing so good, Is he getting enough to eat?" WTF. I am not a letter writer, but I am considering writing the Independence Public School District a letter, expressing my extreme displeasure at this "service".
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We didn't love the first one we had with Peanut. I sort of forgot about it with Bubba, but now both boys are in it. I like my lady. She remembers and has tips and tricks. I'd ask for a different educator. Or I'll come over and tell you he's doing fine and give activity suggestions. :)
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