What is the Week of the Young Child?
The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world's largest early childhood education association, with nearly 100,000 members and a network of over 300 local, state, and regional Affiliates.
The purpose of the Week of the Young Child is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.
NAEYC first established the Week of the Young Child in 1971, recognizing that the early childhood years (birth through age 8) lay the foundation for children's success in school and later life. The Week of the Young Child is a time to plan how we--as citizens of a community, of a state, and of a nation--will better meet the needs of all young children and their families.
What is the Week of the Young Child theme?
The theme for the Week of the Young Child 2009 is Bring Communities Together for Children--Children Bring Communities Together
Why focus on young children and early childhood programs?
Today we know more than ever before about the importance of children's earliest years in shaping their learning and development. Yet, never before have the needs of young children and their families been more pressing.
The Week of the Young Child is a time to recognize that children's opportunities are our responsibilities, and to recommit ourselves to ensuring that each and every child experiences the type of early environment--at home, at child care, at school, and in the community--that will promote their early learning.
Read NAEYC's, A Call to Excellence in Early Childhood Education, which describes our vision for all children, all early childhood professionals, all families, and all communities.
The week of April 20th- 24th
Next Level Development Special Events
“I am Celebrating My Child Because…”
Parents should decorate the attached paper doll to represent their child and return it with the attached information card. Please place all of the paper dolls and card in the bin located on the lobby table by April 16th. All of the paper dolls will be collected, joined at the hands, and displayed in our hallway along with parent comments.
Monday April 20th- Dress yourself day.
Please allow your child to choose what they want to wear that day to school, and have them try to dress themselves. Don’t worry if it does not match, this will be a perfect picture opportunity!
Tuesday April 22nd- Ice Cream Social
Afternoon snack will be an ice cream treat. Next Level Development will provide the ice cream and all the necessary toppings.
Wednesday April 23rd- Planting Day
In celebration of Earth day, each classroom will be invited to help their teacher’s plant flowers. Next Level Development will provide all of the things needed for the children to plant.
Thursday April 25th- Make your own lunch
Next Level Development will provide the ingredients for your child to create their own healthy lunch. Each classroom will be invited to help their teachers cook!
Friday April 24th- Parent’s Reading Day
Parents are invited to stop by on Friday to read a book to their child’s class. You may bring a book of your choice or ask the teacher to provide one. Please sign up on the sheet located in your child’s classroom.
