Hello! My name is Susan (Henderson) Funkhouser. I am a proud Purdy High School graduate (Go Class of 1992!). I returned to the Nest as an employee in 1996, and I have been honored to serve the families and children of our community ever since. After gaining experience and making memories first in the elementary office as the administrative assistant, then in the central office as Public Relations Coordinator and most recently in the library, I am excited to begin my adventure as Parents as Teachers Coordinator, and I would love for you and your family to join me!

Participation in Purdy PAT offers families with children ages birth to 5 access to a wealth of opportunities, information and resources through customized family activities, group events and shared community resources. The Parents as Teachers program consists of three components: Family Visits, Group Connections and Screenings/Community Resources.

FAMILY VISITS: These monthly sessions can be held in your home, at the PAT office at school or in a public area, such as the local park. During our time together we will partner to provide your child(ren) activities to promote their motor, cognitive, language and social-emotional development. We will also explore opportunities to support your family well-being. Visits usually last about an hour and are very informal in nature. 

GROUP CONNECTIONS: These special activities are held at least monthly and may include story time with our Purdy R-II Librarian, Michelle Hilburn; craft sessions; cooking classes; a monthly Parents' Time Out with FREE childcare provided; a PAT Petting Zoo; nature exploration; FREE family photos; Big Truck Day; Daddy/Daughter Dance; Mommy and Me Spa Day; special holiday events and MORE! Group connections not only provide families an opportunity to enjoy each other, but they also offer support in the form of other families with which to build relationships.

SCREENINGS/COMMUNITY RESOURCES: Participation in Purdy PAT gives you access to a wealth of community resources, such as educational opportunities for you and your family, services for specific family needs and assistance with employment, housing and healthcare. All Purdy PAT families will be offered a family library account, allowing them to borrow books from the Purdy R-II Library once per month, after PAT story time. Families will also be offered various screenings for their children (vision, hearing, developmental progress, etc.). 

Over 30 years of Parents as Teachers' studies show the following benefits of participation in the program (https://parentsasteachers.org/research):

• Increased indicators of child health

• Improved adaptive behavior, self-control and mental health in children

• Early detection of developmental delays and/or health concerns

• Kindergarten readiness and success 

• Improved parenting knowledge and skills

• Positive economic impact for families

Please reach out to me with any questions you may have about the program or to begin the enrollment process for your family. I can't wait to meet with you and partner with you to support your children in their development!