Happy Spring! Let's Celebrate!
To mark this season of new beginnings, please join us in celebrating the
Week of the Young Child (WOYC), April 8 – 12. Not sure what this means or why you should celebrate? The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) first established WOYC in 1971, recognizing that the early childhood years (birth through age 8) lay the foundation for children's success in school and later life. This week 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. It's also a week to celebrate...for ideas see the WOYC activity link below.
How Children Spend Their Early Years Matters
Did you know that 90% of a child’s brain develops by age five? Whether children spend their days at home with their parent or another family member, other caregivers, or in and early care and education settings, the quality of what happens in these settings matters. The caring relationships children have in their lives provide the foundation for their positive development. When children interact with their family or caregivers, their brains are built through this back-and-forth interaction, much like a game of tennis, ping pong or volleyball. Children “serve” through babbling, gestures or words, and adults “return” by getting in sync with the child - leading to healthy development. The time and energy you invest in engaging with children in these ways will have a positive impact! For more, check out
The Illustrated Baby Brain video:
