Communities across the nation celebrate 40th anniversary of
NAEYC’s Week of the Young Child
 

Hundreds of NAEYC Affiliates, early childhood programs, community organizations, and families participate in events held around the country

(Washington, DC) – This week the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and hundreds of groups across the country are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Week of the Young Child. Held from April 10 to 16, the Week of the Young Child is an annual event that draws attention to the needs of young children, their families, and the early childhood programs that serve them.

“Today we know more than ever before about how important children’s earliest years are in shaping their future learning and development,” said Jerlean E. Daniel, PhD, Executive Director of NAEYC. “The Week of the Young Child is a time for our nation to recognize how critical the early years are and to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that all children and families have access to high-quality early childhood programs and services.”

NAEYC, the world’s largest organization working on behalf of young children, established the Week of the Young Child in 1971. This week hundreds of events will be held in schools, early childhood programs, libraries, and communities to mark its 40th anniversary, including:

• A Family Fun Kite Festival in which parents and children will make and decorate kites and then fly them together. – Amelia Island, Florida
• A Festival of the Young Child and Health Fair with developmentally appropriate activities, entertainment, and health-checks for parents and their children. – Mattoon, Illinois
• A Provider Appreciation and Awards banquet to recognize dedicated, hard-working early childhood professionals. – Boulder, Colorado

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Early Years are Learning Years,” a reminder that children need and deserve high-quality learning experiences that prepare them for school, work, and life. During the Week of the Young Children NAEYC encourages everyone to consider how we, as citizens, can better meet the needs of young children and families.

For more information about the event and how people are celebrating, visit the Week of the Young Child area of the NAEYC website.
 

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