— Erie County is taking part in a nationwide celebration this week with the annual observance of the Week of the Young Child, hosted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (“NAEYC”) as a time to recognize the importance of early childhood education and the role families play in shaping a child's development.
This year, from April 11 to April 17, communities across the country will come together to celebrate young children, their families, and the educators who support them. Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz was joined earlier today (Monday, April 13) by Deputy County Executive Lisa M. Chimera, Anne Ryan from Read to Succeed Buffalo, and Nathalia Guarino from The Blue Giraffe Child Care Center at the West Seneca Public Library to start the local celebration, which included the presentation of an Erie County proclamation.
“The Week of the Young Child is an opportunity to help highlight the joy of learning and the critical role of early education for children,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “By celebrating we are building strong foundations for our children while at the same time supporting the dedicated educators who nurture them daily.”
“Erie County and Live Well Erie are proud to join our community partners in celebrating the Week of the Young Child,” said Deputy Erie County Executive Lisa Chimera. “Observed annually in Erie County, this is a time to celebrate our youngest learners, educators, families and all who play a role in early childhood development. These ‘little years’ are truly a big deal, with 90 percent of brain development happening before a child turns five. My thanks to our great Live Well Erie Children’s Working Group partners who have collaborated on this week’s events and encourage families across Erie County to join us in celebrating the Week of the Young Child.”
The week’s activities taking place throughout the country were organized by The National Association for the Education of Young Children and are focused around recognizing the importance of high-quality early childhood learning and advocating for the professionals who make that possible. In Erie County specifically, the focus this year will be on early developmental screening access.
Community partners will be hosting free screening events countywide throughout the week, providing opportunities for families to ask questions about how they can be advocates for their children.
In addition, Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum is offering free admission to families interested in doing a screening on Thursday, April 16 from 2pm to 4pm.
For more information:
About local Week of the Young Child events, visit https://loom.ly/cgLTxRk
About Live Well Erie, visit www.erie.gov/livewellerie
