Ideas for Week of the Young Child, 2011 By Cindy Christ & Susan Feldt January 29, 2011 RBAEYC 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.Event Planning Handbook

The theme for WOYC 2011 is: Early Years Are Learning Years ®

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 for INVOLVEMENT! Involve your staff/administration Involve the children Involve families Involve community

ADVERTISE! Put up signs Plan a big event Plan an outdoor event Press release Photograph- (releases)

A word about photographs: Protect your clients confidentiality Have photo permission releases Take photos that protect identities

Photo children in silhouette…

Photograph from the back…

Photograph hands…

Feet…

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) 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

Missouri Child Advocacy Day March 31, 2011 Jefferson City, MO

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

For more ideas and information…