WKU News & Events

March 26, 2002

"Week Of The Young Child" Set
For Week Of April 7

Bowling Green, Ky. - The annual "Week of the Young Child," set for the week of April 7, will focus the public's attention on the needs of young children and their families. It also recognizes those programs that serve young children and the services that are provided that meet the family's needs. It is sponsored each year by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) which is the world's largest early childhood education association.

"Week of the Young Child" was established in 1971 and recognizes that the early childhood years (birth to age 8) lay the foundation for the success of children's school years and in later life. This year's theme is "Children's Opportunities - Our Responsibilities."

It is important to recognize that the opportunities that children have and are exposed to, are our responsibilities, said Sherri R. Meyer, coordinator of T/TAS Child Care Resource & Referral at Western Kentucky University. It is the responsibility of parents and the community to ensure that all children experience the type of early childhood environment—whether that be in a child care facility, in a family child care home, at school, in the community, or at the child's home—that will promote their early learning, she said.

The Barren River Area Development District has approximately 150 child care centers and family child care homes. The Child Care Resource & Referral at Western

Kentucky University recognizes that work with young children will play a vital role in the future success of all young children that are cared for each and every day.

"We want to acknowledge those child care providers in our area and how much we appreciate their hard work and dedication to the young children in their care," Meyer said.

The Child Care Resource & Referral encourages everyone in the community to continue their dedication to young children by providing the best experiences that all young children need. "Together, we can make a difference in the life of a child," she said.

For more information, contact Sherri R. Meyer at 800-621-5908. More WKU news is available on the World Wide Web at www.wku.edu. If you'd like to receive WKU news via E-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.