Cynthia Buchanan - RurAL CAP’s Parents as Teachers (PAT)
My name is Cynthia Buchanan and I live in Glennallen, Alaska. It was my privilege to have been hired to work with children and their caregivers through RurAL CAP’s Parents as Teachers (PAT) program.
Twice a month I meet with families who are enrolled in the PAT program. During these visits I share information on their child’s development and leave fun activities for the parents to play with their child. I also do vision, hearing, and Ages n’ Stages testing. It has been a very positive learning experience since I began last March. I have a wonderful variety of families that care deeply for their children and teach me what they have learned along their own parenting journey.
Before RurAL CAP, I worked with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, Wildland Firefighting, along with raising my little boy Arctic who is now in kindergarten, his first year of school. In 2002, I graduated from UAF with a degree in Guidance Counseling. It was while finishing my practicum in the Copper River Basin that I fell in love with the area and has led to me calling it home now for the last 6 years.
If you have children under 5 that are not in school and live in the Basin you can call 907-259-1234 for more information on this free and fun program. There is also a Tot’s Time for young children and their parents at the Glennallen Elementary School gym. It is held every Thursday from 9:30-11am. This is a time for youngsters to stretch their legs, participate in large motor activities, do crafts, and have a healthy snack.