March in the Parade and Join the Band:  2009 Week of the Young Child is Back!

The Caswell County Partnership for Children invites you and your family to come celebrate with us as we honor our young children and recognize those who work very hard to care for and educate them. The Week of the Young Child will be celebrated April 19^th - 25^th.  This year’s theme is “Working with the Community to Build Young Readers”.

This annual celebration is sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).  The NAEYC first began the Week of the Young Child in 1971.  Since then it has been a time for community members, educators, and families to focus on better meeting the needs of all young children. It is also a time to honor the individuals who serve our children helping them grow and develop to their full potential.  

Many exciting events are planned this year.  Young children and their families are invited to join in the annual parade on April 24^th at 10:00 a.m.  The parade will begin at the intersection 3^rd Avenue and Main Street in downtown Yanceyville.  The Bartlett Yancey High School marching band will lead the parade to the Historic Courthouse.  Following the parade, the band will perform for the audience and county commissioner Erik Battle will read the proclamation.  Everyone is encouraged to bring instruments or noisemakers to play along with the band.  Come dressed as your favorite storybook character and join the parade!  

After the parade, make your way to the Caswell County Recreational Park for a free picnic.  At the picnic, there will be a special “story time” presentation with several guest readers.  If you are planning on joining in the fun, please RSVP by April 20^th by calling the Partnership at 694-1538.

Also in celebration of the Week of the Young Child, artwork by our local children will be proudly displayed at the Yanceyville Post Office, the Caswell Messenger, the Caswell County Health Department, the Gunn Memorial Library, and the Caswell County Courthouse for all to enjoy.  Encourage your child to submit their work of art to the Caswell County Partnership for Children.  Spend some time reading with your child then let them draw a scene or character from their favorite story.  Your child will be proud to see his work of art on display.

Another event planned for the Week of the Young Child will include the musical talents of Charles Pettee as he weaves together the banjo, harmonica, guitar, mandolin, and voice to teach children about the music of the Carolinas.  Charles Pettee will perform at the Gunn Memorial Library on Wednesday April 15^th at 10 a.m.  Also at the library, Puppets-To-Go presents “Little Red Riding Hood” on Thursday, April 23^rd at 10 a.m. 

Reading at home with your child or visiting the library are both great ways to build young readers.  Beginning June 1^st, the Summer Reading Program for children ages birth to twelve will again kick off.  Keep track of the books your child reads and they will be rewarded with bookmarks, prizes, and stickers.  For more information contact the Gunn Memorial Library at 694-6241.

Let the Week of the Young Child remind us of the value and importance of our young children.  Their future, and ours, depends on how well prepared they are to meet challenges later in life.  Take time to thank those individuals who care for and serve your children and let them know they too are valued.  For additional information about the events during the Week of the Young Child, please contact the Caswell County Partnership for Children at 694-1538.