Ideas for Week of the Young Child,
2011By
Cindy Christ&
Susan Feldt
January 29, 2011RBAEYC Coffee Talk
Working families need child care and supportive employer policies to be able to meet the needs of their young children throughout the day.
Children, especially those from low-income families, need better access to high-quality early childhood programs.
Too many children in the United States live in poverty, without good nutrition and health care.
What can be done?
The Week of the Young Child is an opportunity for programs, NAEYC Affiliates, related organizations, communities, and states to focus on the needs of young children and their families. There are countless ways to celebrate the week, which is first and foremost a grassroots effort. Use the online Event Planning Handbook to WOYC Celebrations for suggested strategies for involving community partners, activity ideas, resources, and groups to contact.
Begin EARLY!• My story…• Put it on your calendar• Order brochures and other items• Plan activities for the entire month• Talk to community partners• Talk to local government officials• Create a press release
Create Opportunities forINVOLVEMENT!
Involve your staff/administrationInvolve the childrenInvolve familiesInvolve community
A word about photographs:Protect your clients confidentialityHave photo permission releasesTake photos that protect identities
Ideas for activities or events
Play, where learning begins…
Displays of children playing
Display of homemade games
Fun fair w/explanations
Curriculum Night
Embracing diversity…
Invite families to share their culture
Do cooperative activities (i.e. art)
Email pen pals
Have a multi-culture fair
Encouraging health and fitness…
Have a health and safety fair
Sponsor a trike-a-thon
Host an mini-Olympic day
Schedule guest speakers
Teaching and teachers count…
Teacher/Staff Appreciation Day
Spotlight a staff member weekly
Appreciation board
Teacher gift bags (from community partners)
Join a chamber of commerce
Partner with neighboring businesses
Contact local/regional governments
Investing in young children benefits all…
Distribute information on child abuse
Wear a blue ribbon
Sponsor community awareness of child abuse
Attend Child Advocacy Day
Prevent the achievement gap: we know how…
Use Missouri Early Childhood standards in your program
Contact your local school district for developmental screenings
Familiarize yourself with local public and private Kindergartens