Join the celebration! April 8-12 is the Week of the Young Child, sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and there are many ways you can participate.
Thank an early childhood educator!
Did you know there are 38,800 children under age 6 who live in families where all available parents are in the workforce? Someone other than a parent is caring for those children. In order for children to get the greatest benefit from early care and learning programs, their teachers should be well-educated about child development and how best to support the incredible brain development that takes place in the first few years of life.
I love the phrase “synaptic exuberance” that refers to the fact that a baby’s brain makes more than 1 million synapses or neural connections every second.
Support early learning every day this week!
Music Monday – encourage your child to sing and dance, which can develop both early language and physical skills
Tasty Tuesday – have fun preparing healthy foods with your toddler, who might then be more motivated to eat them
Work Together Wednesday – let your child help with household chores
Artsy Thursday – support your child’s creativity with simple, inexpensive art supplies
Family Friday – pull the week together: sing and dance, make art, eat, and clean up, as a family
Since today is Work Together Wednesday, let’s take it a step further. We’re calling it Work Together with Other Adults Wednesday.
Here’s what’s happening. The Senate Finance Committee is providing an opportunity for Alaskans to comment on the proposed State budget for FY 2020 Thursday, April 11 and Friday, April 12, through personal or written testimony. I encourage you to take a few minutes to get ready to speak up for Alaska. Click here to learn the day and time for your community.
What should you say? Let the senators know that you value the State’s partnership with communities to support early learning and tell them why it is important to you and your family.
Working Together we can ensure Alaska’s young children begin kindergarten ready to succeed in school, and in life.
