What began as a simple shared screening partnership has grown into a model of collaboration, mentorship, and community impact between Northeast Vernon Co. R-I School District and El Dorado Springs R-II School District’s Parent Education Programs.

The partnership first took shape when El Dorado Springs R-II Parents as Teachers (PAT) assisted Northeast Vernon Co. R-I School District with hearing and vision screenings. Recognizing the potential for deeper collaboration, Northeast Vernon Co. R-I Elementary Principal, Eric Rhodes contacted

El Dorado Springs R-II Parents as Teachers Director, Jennifer Caldwell. In a joint effort, both districts communicated with DESE staff in the Parent Education Section for guidance on how to expand parent education services and to better support families residing in the Northeast Vernon Co. R-I School District.

Both districts were committed to ensuring that all services would be well-coordinated, sustainable, and align with the DESE Parent Education Section and the requirements set forth by the Early Childhood Development Act (ECDA) Administrative Manual.

Prior to finalizing the contract, time was spent to evaluate what was already working well and to identify the unique strengths each district brought to the table, from El Dorado Springs R-II School District’s experience and infrastructure to Northeast Vernon Co. R-I School District’s strong community connections and family engagement. The districts also examined areas for improvement and opportunities for shared efficiency, ensuring that the partnership would be a true collaborative effort built on mutual respect and learning.

Following months of planning and coordination, a one-year trial began in which El Dorado Springs R-II School District’s Parent Education Program provided services to Northeast Vernon Co. R-I School District families. The response was overwhelmingly positive, families were eager to participate, goals were met, and data confirmed strong outcomes. When the results were presented to the Northeast Vernon Co. R-I School Board, it was clear the district had both the need and capacity to sustain its own parent education program.

Currently, during year three of contracted services, El Dorado Springs R-II School District continues to partner with Northeast Vernon Co. R-I to help stabilize the program and provide mentorship. Through ongoing collaboration, El Dorado Springs R-II School District supported Northeast Vernon Co. R-I in hiring and training a full-time parent educator, ensuring a smooth transition and a strong foundation for long-term success.

Today, this partnership stands as a powerful example of how collaboration, communication, and shared vision can expand access to high-quality parent education services across rural Missouri. By working together, both districts demonstrated that when communities unite around families, children, and education —everyone thrives.