Looking on to April, as we anticipate the new blooms
around the corner, we often turn our thoughts to renewal and the
future. What better way to celebrate the spirit of renewal than by
participating in the annual Week of the Young Child
(WOYC), April 11th – 17th, that honors young children and their
teachers. Each year the National Association for the Education of Young
Children (NAEYC) sponsors the week long event to raise awareness of
issues in early childhood.

This year's theme is "Early
Years Are Learning Years.

The organization is focusing on events that promote early literacy, acknowledge teachers who make a difference for young children, and engage policy makers in supporting early education. Events
suggested by NAEYC include planning a family literacy event, inviting
policy makers and business leaders to a kick-off breakfast, thanking
teachers, and inviting parents to collaborate on early childhood issues
through proclamations or community meetings. The NAEYC website has a fact sheet for the discussion of early childhood with the media and policy makers. Event planning
resources include a planning sheet, press release, and suggestions for
events.