PAT is target of deep funding cuts

As a parent, I am greatly disappointed by the deep cuts to the Missouri Parents as Teachers Program. PAT has been an invaluable tool for families across Missouri, helping them to better understand their child's development.

My husband, Matt, and I participated in the program with our first son while living in Jefferson City, and we are looking forward to participating again with our second. I clearly remember how helpful PAT was to me as a first-time parent, just as it has been for thousands of Missouri families.

Research shows that when preschool programs are coupled with PAT participation, children are better prepared for kindergarten and its challenges. Studies also show that parents participating in PAT are more involved in their child's school life and that their involvement helps to improve their child's academic performance.

The PAT educators are well-prepared to assist parents with numerous questions and even potential problems.

In fact, I recently had a close friend recount to me how her PAT educator identified her child's hearing problem that her pediatrician had missed.

The success of Missouri's PAT program has been held up as a model for the rest of the nation, and the program was greatly expanded in Missouri between 2005 and 2008. In fact, total funding for PAT was increased by $6 million and was a part of the record $1.2 billion increase provided for Missouri education. These increases allowed PAT to serve nearly 2,000 additional Missouri families.

Unfortunately, PAT has become a convenient target for cuts in the state budget. The proposed cuts for fiscal year 2011, when combined with cuts made in fiscal year 2010, represent a 28 percent reduction in PAT's budget. This figure is disproportionate when contrasted with cuts facing other state programs, and its long-term negative impact is even greater.

This program is valuable to so many parents and their children, and it makes a demonstrable difference in their lives. It would be incredibly irresponsible for Missouri to turn its back on Parents as Teachers now.

Melanie Blunt of Springfield, Mo., is a former first lady of Missouri.