United Way of Central Missouri Early Childhood Advisory Committee Joins National Celebration of Week of the Young Child

The United Way of Central Missouri Early Childhood Advisory Committee and the Lincoln University- Assn. for the Education of Young Children, along with hundreds of local organizations around the country, will celebrate Week of the Young Child, April 11-17, 2010. Week of the Young Child honors more than 35 million children from birth through age eight in America, and the families, teachers, child care providers, and other adults who help children make the most of the opportunities during their early years.

Locally, Early Childhood Educators, Students and Child Care Providers will celebrate Week of the Young Child beginning April 10, 2010 with a Children’s Stroll downtown. Our theme for the week of the Young Child is “Early Years are Learning Years”. The stroll will begin at 10 am, with formation at 9:45 am at St. Peter Church. The stroll will end at Missouri River Regional Library with indoor and outdoor family activities. The downtown stroll is free and open to the public! Downtown businesses with exhibit children’s artwork from area child care providers from April 6 – 17.

In addition, there will be a Chamber Ribbon Cutting on April 15 at 10am at Memorial Park for the newly installed Born Learning Trail. The United Way Born Learning Trail is a series of learning activities that any adult can play with young children at Memorial Park along the walking trail near the toddler playground. It is sponsored by the Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Foundation.

The first local Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Banquet will be held on April 15 at 6:30pm at the YMCA, 424 Stadium Blvd, Jefferson City, MO. Doors open at 6:00pm. The banquet includes a Buffet Dinner from Madison’s Café, a speaker, Dr. L. Carol Scott on “The 7 Childhood Treasures”, recognition of Early Childhood Educators and door prizes. Tickets are $5.00. After April 9 tickets will be $10.00. For more information on the banquet contact Joanne Nelson (Missouri Child Care Resource and Referral Network) at 800-243-9685 or email: joanne@moccrrn.org. The banquet is sponsored by Scholastic and Central Missouri Association for the Education of Young Children. In addition, the event is made possible in partnership with United Way of Central Missouri Early Childhood Advisory Committee.

Week of the Young Child Events includes:
April 6 – 17 Downtown Businesses display children’s artwork from area childcare providers.

Wednesday, April 7 Child Advocacy Day – State Capitol – 9am – 3pm

Saturday, April 10 Children’s Downtown Stroll – 10am with formation at 9:45am at St. Peter Church. Stroll ends at Missouri River Regional Library with indoor and outdoor family activities.

Tuesday, April 13 9 am to 11 am- Kite Day at Helias High School Snacks provided/bring kites
Thursday, April 15 Rain Date for Kite Day

Thursday, April 15 Chamber Ribbon Cutting, Born Learning Trail, Memorial Park – 10am
Thursday, April 15 Early Childhood Appreciation Dinner – YMCA – Doors open at 6pm

Friday, April 16 Bring your child’s picture to work day.

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