There are several ways in which to participate!
By Jim Beers
CHESTER – Many parents do not know that Randolph County school districts are offering services for expectant mothers and children ages “Birth-to-Three Years Old.”
Such programs are being offered in partnership with the Chester School District # 139 Grant Program titled, “Birth to Three”. This program is dedicated to serving pregnant moms and children under the age of three years old. This FREE program offers prenatal education and family and baby resources.
Members of the Randolph County “Birth to Three” Program include (left to right): Rachel Marshall, Supervisor; Melissa Duncan, Red Bud School District; Vicki Thompson, Sparta-Steeleville-Coulterville School Districts; and Jessie Valleroy, Chester School District. The Birth to Three Program is a FREE program that offers prenatal education and Family and Baby resources. This program serves pregnant moms and children under three years of age. There are many ways to take advantage of this FREE program! Jim Beers Photo
This exciting and extremely beneficial program is offered FREE to everyone and is open to ANYONE regardless of income and regardless of if the child has a developmental delay or not! Staff want parents to know that 90% of a child’s brain is developed by the age of 5.
Perhaps a parent or guardian is simply looking for some new ideas or ways to bond with their children, the “Birth-to-Three” Program might just be the way to accomplish that goal. Some parents are interested in finding out if the child is simply “on the right track”. If so, the “Birth to Three” Program is a fantastic FREE way to find out!
Program staff want parents to know that a child’s first few years of life are critical for brain, physical and emotional development!
Vicki Thompson is the “Birth to Three” staff member that serves Sparta-Steeleville-Coulterville School Districts. Jim Beers Photo
The “Birth to Three” Program offers several ways in which to participate!
If a parent is expecting a child, Birth to Three” staff want to help! If an expecting mother, father, or other family member has questions or concerns, “Birth to Three” staff are here for you!
The “Home Visiting Program” offers two visits per month at which time staff will work on improving individual skills and developmental activities with BOTH parents and children!
Visits can be completed in the convenience of your home or at the “Birth to Three” classrooms at your school!
Developmental Assessments can simply assess your child’s developmental level via a Milestone Check. These can help identify all strengths and weaknesses that may be present at your child’s current age level (moths of age).
Play Groups are offered at various locations to help with socialization and cooperation with other students of like ages. They take place at the following locations, days, and times:
Sparta Lincoln School: On the third Thursday of each month the Sparta Lincoln School hosts from 10:00 A.M. till 1:00 A.M.
Red Bud: Red Bud Elementary School hosts play groups on the last Wednesday of each month from 10:00 A.M. till 11:00 A.M.
Chester Public Library: Chester hosts every Tuesday from 10:30 A.M. till 11:30 A.M.
Melissa Duncan is the “Birth to Three” Staff member thar serves the Red Bud School District. Jim Beers Photo
Other Occasional off-site locations:
*Sparta Public Library: October 13th will be the next play date from 11:00 A.M. till 12:00 Noon.
* Red Bud Public Library: October 26th at 4:00 P.M.
Family Fun Nights. These are events in which families can interact with their child and other families and enjoy time together.
Parent Encounters: These are informational meetings for parents on subjects such as potty training, sleep training, and other topics of interest.
Lap Sits
The “Birth to Three” Program is “Completely FREE” of charge for all services! In addition to the services that the “Birth to Three” Program offers, they will also make referrals for various supports as needed.
Referrals can be made for further testing with therapists in the areas of Speech, Occupational Therapy, Developmental Therapy, and Physical Therapy.
Each school has an Infant-Toddler Specialist and that person can visit your child or children at school until they are transitioned into Pre-Kindergarten. They can help with the IEP process if needed.
Jessie Valleroy is the newest member of the Randolph County “Birth to Three” Program. Even though Ms. Valleroy is the newest member of the “Randolph County “Birth to Three” Program, she has been serving in this same type of position for eight years. Jim Beers Photo
Anyone interested in learning more about the “Birth to Three” Program can simply call or message (618) 604-4420 or contact your local school district.
“Birth to Three” staff include the following:
Rachel Marshall, Supervisor: (618) 826-2354, Extension 212
Melissa Duncan, Red Bud School District: (618) 604-4420
Vicki Thompson, Sparta-Steeleville-Coulterville School Districts: (618) 340-0701
Jessie Valleroy, Chester School District: (618) 615-8772
Note: Ms. Valleroy is new to the “Birth to Three” Program, but has been in this type of position for 8-years previously.