Ideas for Week of the Young Child,

2011By

Cindy Christ&

Susan Feldt

January 29, 2011RBAEYC 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.

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 forINVOLVEMENT!

Involve your staff/administrationInvolve the childrenInvolve familiesInvolve community

ADVERTISE!Put up signsPlan a big eventPlan an outdoor eventPress releasePhotograph- (releases)

A word about photographs:Protect your clients confidentialityHave photo permission releasesTake 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)

Email 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 DayMarch 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

http://www.naeyc.org/woyc

For more ideas and information…