Week of the Young Child

National Week of the Young Child

This year the National Week of the Young Child will be celebrated April 11-17, 2010. The theme is "The Early Years are Learning Years."

Celebrate Week of the Young Child in your Center!

Join area child care centers in celebrating Week of the Young Child with these fun activities!

Monday - Announce the Week of the Young Child

Have the children make artwork for their parents to take to work.
Make badges for your parents to wear to work. Badges could say "Thanks to the _____________ Center my child has a safe, nurturing place to be while I am at work!" or "My child is being cared for by a caring staff at the ______________Center!"
Invite special visitors to come to your center and read to the children. Community workers, parents, a ratio talk sho host or T.V. reporter would be great guests. This is a great way to make the community aware of the quality child care centers in our area.

Tuesday - Begin a Community Project

Last year we asked centers to collet food for St. Joseph Food Pantry. This year we are encouraging centers to collect donations for Harbor House or the Emergency Shelter of the Fox Valley. We have put together a list of needs for each agency. This is a wonderful opportunity to teach children how to give to those in need.

Have the children write letters to Community Helpers thanking them for their hard work.

Wednesday - Celebrate Diversity

Try foods from other cultures.

Host an International Fest for your families featuring food, music, and activities from other countries.

Bridge the age gap by visiting a nursing home or inviting retirees to visit your center.

Thursday - Health and Fitness Day

Talk about the importance of good nutrition.

Have the children make healthy snacks.

Implement the "Two Bite" club.

Exercise with the children - consider learning yoga!

Plan an Olympic Game Day.

Friday - Look at Me Day

Have the children make a self-portrait.

Have parents write a letter about their child that can be shared at group time.

Have children talk about what they want to be when they grow up.

Harbor House Needs:

Dish soap
Standard size pillows
Pillow cases
Bath towelsl
Laundry baskets
Laundry soap
Hand soap and sanitizer
Paper towels
All purpose cleaners
Pajamas - Infant through adult womens' sizes
Socks - Infant through adult womens' sizes
Underwear - 3T and up; adults womens' size 6 and up
Bathrobes - womens' sizes L, XL, and XXL

Emergency Shelter of the Fox Valley Needs:

Canned vegetables, fruit and soup
Cheese
Deli meats
Lunch snacks
Brown lunch bags
Paper towels and napkins
Dishcloths, hand towels, pot holders
Tall kitchen garbage bags
Can openers<
Baby powder
Umbrella strollers (new)
Baby bottle brushes
Diaper wipes
Diapers size 2-6
Diaper rash ointments
Laundry soap and fabric softener
Laundry baskets
Bath towels
Alarm clocks
AA and AAA batteries
Socks - adult women's and adult men's
Body wash
Deodorant
Hair spray and mousse
Shaving cream and razors
Shampoo and conditioner
Nail clippers
Gift cards for groceries

Community Promotions

Help promote awareness of quality early childhood programs with one of these ideas:

Art display in a public place with a posting of the benefits of art.
Legislators or community leaders visit centers/programs/Worthy Wage approach (A day in the life of a preschooler…)
Collect donations for community programs
Can goods/Food pantry
Pet food/Animal shelters
Book drives
Care packages for our serve men and women
Send parents to work with a balloon with a note attached-"Ask me about my child’s child care/preschool" etc.