Week of the Young Child is held each year to honor young children and thank teachers and all those who make a difference in young children’s lives.  This year the celebration will take place April 13 – 19.  The theme for Week of the Young Child 2008 is Bring Communities Together for Children – Children Bring Communities Together.

Early childhood education is vital to our community.  Children need a strong early learning foundation to succeed in school and go on to succeed in life.

Working families need child care and supportive employer policies to be able to meet the needs of their young children throughout the day.

• In the United States the majority of mothers with children under age 18 work, including 59% of those with infants and 74% of those with school-aged children.
• The average cost of childcare in Douglas County is $130 per week for infants and $100 per week for 4 year olds.

Children, especially those from low-income families, need better access to high-quality early childhood programs.

• Research shows that high-quality early childhood programs pay off.  For every dollar we invest in quality early education programs, society saves at least $7 in later costs of unemployment, child welfare and criminal justice.  Funds invested in early childhood programs earn an annual rate of return of 18%.

You can make a difference in Douglas County:

• Support early learning programs.  Quality early learning experiences are crucial for young children to be ready to succeed in school.
• Reach out and thank parents, teachers and all adults who help young children get a great start.
• Support policies at the local, state and federal levels that provide high-quality early learning opportunities for all young children.

Join in on the celebration:

• Attend Mayor’s Proclamation of Week of the Young Child, April 8.
• Enjoy children’s art display in downtown stores April 13 – 19.

Additional information:

• www.douglascountysuccessby6.org
• www.naeyc.org/about/woyc/
• www.minneapolisfed.org/research/studies/earlychild/
• www.highscope.org/Content.asp?ContentId=219

Please feel free to contact us:
Douglas County Child Development Association
935 Iowa St.
Lawrence, KS 66044
Phone: 785.842.9679 or 866.352.1531 (toll free)
email: ajenny@dccda.org
Anna Jenny, Executive Director
Copyright © 2002-2008 Douglas County Child Development Association
All Rights Reserved.