OEC Press Release Celebrating Week of the Young Child
PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood
Contact Name: Maggie Adair
Phone Number: 860-878-8936
Email Address: Maggie.Adair@ct.gov
RELEASE DATE:
March 29, 2021
CONNECTICUT’S YOUNGEST CITIZENS CELEBRATED DURING ‘WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD’ APRIL 10-16
CT Office of Early Childhood Honors Children, Families, Caregivers and Providers
[HARTFORD, CT, March 29, 2021] – This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Week of the Young Child®. The Week of the Young Child®, taking place April 10-16, is an amazing time to recognize the critical role we play in the development of young children. As a community, our responsibility is to provide opportunities and recommit ourselves to ensuring that children experience the type of early environment—at home, at child care, at school —that will promote their early learning.
Early childhood is a time of rapid brain growth. During this period children gain cognitive and social skills that help form the foundation for their future learning and academic success. A child’s experiences, positive or negative, influence the wiring of his brain and the connections in the nervous system.
During the Week of the Young Child® we encourage all child care, Birth to Three, and Home Visiting providers, as well as families, to engage in positive activities for all young children. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is providing a week of engaging resources centering around key components of early childhood education, with themed days focusing on music, cooking, working together, art, and family fun.
Commissioner Beth Bye: “This year has been so challenging for young children and those who care for them. The Week of the Young Child offers a time to focus on and celebrate the children in our state and the child care providers who continue to thrive and show us all how resilient we can all be, no matter what we are facing.”
“This is a vital time in the history of the early childhood profession. The brighter the light we shine on the work of early childhood, the bigger the impact we can make in creating a profession that works for children and families. The 50th anniversary of Week of the Young Child is a perfect time to do just that. On behalf of CTAEYC, thank you for inspiring the children you serve, partnering with families and making a difference every single day!” said Karen Rainville, executive director of the Connecticut Association for the Education of Young Children.
Daily Themes:
● Kick off Saturday
● Music Monday
● Tasty Tuesday
● Work Together Wednesday
● Artsy Thursday
● Family Friday
For more information on Week of the Young Child®, visit https://www.ctoec.org/news/week-of-the-young-child/ or naeyc.org.
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About the Office of Early Childhood
The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood advances a family-centered approach to support young children and families. Integrating early childhood programs formerly administered by five separate state agencies, the OEC serves children each year through child care, pre-K, home visiting, child and youth camp licensing, early intervention and parenting supports. Through this integrated approach and collaboration with other state agencies, the OEC works to advance better coordinated, more cost-effective services that yield measurable results for Connecticut’s children and families. To contact the Office of Early Childhood, please visit our website at www.ctoec.org or call (860) 500-4412.