Week of the Young Child

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. 

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 10 – 16.  The theme for Week of the Young Child 2011 is Early Years are Learning Years.

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.  Research shows that high-quality early childhood programs help children--especially those from families with low-incomes--develop the skills they need to succeed in school.

Across the nation child care fees average $4,000 to $10,000 per year, exceeding the cost of public universities in most states. Yet, nationally only 1 in 7 children who are financially eligible for child care subsidies is being served, and only 41% of 3 and 4 year old children living in poverty are enrolled in preschool, compared to 58% of those whose families have higher incomes.

Federal, state and local government, communities, parents, and the private sector must share in the responsibility of ensuring the well-being of children and families. We can and must do more to create opportunities that help all children and families succeed. We can invest now in our children and families and enjoy long-term savings, with a more vibrant nation of healthy, achieving children and more stable families. Or we can fail to make the investment and pay the price: increased delinquency, greater educational failures, lowered productivity, less economic competitiveness, and fewer adults prepared to be effective, loving parents to the next generation of children.

The Week of the Young Child is an opportunity for communities and states to focus on the needs of young children and their families. There are countless ways to celebrate the week.

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.
• Spend time with a child.

Douglas County WOYC Activities:

• Early Education Site Tour: April 9, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (See Flyer - PDF)
• Children’s Art Display: April 10 -16 – Downtown Lawrence Library and Retail Stores
• Mayor’s Proclamation:  April 12, 6:35 pm, City Hall