Missouri First Steps

I have called the governor, my state representative, and my state senator. I am going to the capitol tomorrow for a public hearing, at which I hope to speak. I am sending ahead a picture of my "child who has been helped by the First Steps program" since I will miss most of the pre-hearing press conference. I have emailed the governor and my legislators, with a copy sent to each of the appropriate committee members. Here is the letter that I'm sending (along with a picture of Ellie) to my elected representatives:

February 8, 2004

Governor Matt Blunt
P.O. Box 809-A
Jefferson City MO 65102

Governor Blunt:

I'm sure that you've read all about how $1 spent on early childhood intervention saves more than $7 down the line. I'm sure you know that the First Steps program helps prepare children for entry into the public school system. Rather than talk about the economics and politics of the First Steps program, I'd like to tell you how First Steps affects my family.

I am 30 years old and my daughter, Eleanor, is 15 months old. She has Down syndrome. 40 years ago, children with Down syndrome were routinely institutionalized. It was thought that they could not learn.

Ellie has been receiving therapy through the Missouri First Steps program since she was 3 months old. At this point, she is tracking very close to developmental norms for her age group. At 15 months, she has 10 words (and understands many more). If I show her a picture of our church and ask her to point at the tree, she will point at the tree. If I hand her a shape, she can place it through the correct hole in the shape sorter. She crawls. She can feed herself. She helps to get herself dressed every morning. She is a loving, sweet, wonderful child and a greater blessing to our family than we could ever have imagined.

Ellie's successes come in part from her exceptional nature, but a lot of the credit goes to her wonderful First Steps therapists. Currently she sees a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a developmental therapist, and a speech therapist. They tell me that keeping Ellie "as close to developmental norms as possible" is a realistic goal. They tell me that she should be able to be in a typical classroom at school in a few years.

The First Steps program has had an immeasurable effect on my family. Please do not cut funding for this program.

Sincerely,
Ellie's family

cc:
Representative Richard Byrd
Senator Michael Gibbons