Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration of young children throughout Shasta County. Families and all community members are invited to attend a collection of events geared towards the early education needs of children and to honor young children and their caregivers. The Week of the Young Child was first established in 1971 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children to recognize that early childhood years lay the foundation for children’s success in school and later life.
Locally, First 5 Shasta has been the facilitator of Shasta County’s week-long celebration. First 5 Shasta provides collaboration and grant funding to create a week focused on young children, ages 0-to-5, their families and caregivers.
At the Turtle Bay Exploration Park, we will be celebrating Week of the Young Child on Thursday, April 16, 2015 with “It’s a Big, Big World, So Let’s Take Care of It!” from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Our celebration will feature local author, Linda Boyden. At 10:00 a.m. Linda will be reading her book Boy and Poi Poi Puppy and will be facilitating an activity afterwards. Each participant will be able to take home a book, generously donated by First 5 Shasta. This event will also feature activities provided by local partners including KIXE, Shasta County Office of Education, the YMCA and many more!
Week of the Young Child is just one way we celebrate and honor early childhood education at Turtle Bay. Every Thursday at 10:00 a.m., Turtle Bay offers a docent-led program for 2-5 year old children called Little Explorers. Participants listen to a story read by a docent and get involved with a hands-on craft or activity. Our team of docents selects monthly themes that feature the flora, fauna, and seasons of Turtle Bay.
Turtle Bay’s More to Explore program also focuses on early childhood education. This three-year program provides free training opportunities for early childhood caregivers, new education resources pages on the Turtle Bay website, and materials for the Turtle Bay lending library.
As Week of the Young Child approaches, please join us in investing in the education of your young children! This community event will provide resources for the health, education and well-being of Shasta County’s young children.
Happy learning!
Laurinda Willard
Natural Science Educator
Turtle Bay Blog 