By Rachel Ballin

Community Contributor

CHENANGO – Community members are invited to join us next week, April 13th-17th on Facebook at Chenango County WOYC 2020 to celebrate the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Week of the Young Child (WOYC). Children and their families can enjoy a whole week filled with virtual experiences, activities, and resources crafted and created by members in our community just for them.  

Organizers from The Place, Morrisville State College Norwich, Family Enrichment Network and Early Childhood Educators have been collaborating and creating an exciting virtual week filled with new opportunities, learning experiences, educational activities, and resources. Starting Monday, April 13th, children and families can explore the areas of music, nutrition, math/stem, and art each day, culminating with a celebration of family and community on Friday. 

Each year the NAEYC provides a fun-filled theme week - Music Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Work Together Wednesday, Artsy Thursday and Family Friday - to highlight and enhance early childhood education across the country by celebrating the WOYC together. Thanks to organizers and members in our community different opportunities will be available each day via videos, photos and more. Participants are encouraged to share their own experiences, photos/videos and stories in the comments of each post to create a greater sense of community throughout the virtual event. 

Organizers would also like to announce this year’s virtual WOYC event is dedicated to our dear friend and colleague, Christopher Carnachan. Chris started his career in early childhood at SUNY Morrisville - Norwich Campus. As an intricate part of the program he added quality, humor, and insight into every classroom experience. Chris continued to work in early childhood settings in our area over the years making a difference in the lives of every child and family he interacted with and supported. Families recall Chris as someone who would always greet them with a smile and help their child adjust to the day as they left for work. Coworkers remember Chris as someone who would gently calm a child and regularly engage children in pretend play with music experiences. Please take a moment to honor Chris this week by reading a book, singing a song or sharing a laugh with your family.  Chris’ passion for education will live on in all the children’s lives he touched. 

As early childhood professionals, our hope is to inspire and assure children, families and care providers in our community with support and resources during this trying time. As a community we are all here, together, encouraging and supporting each other. As the old saying goes, it takes a village, please join us on Facebook at Chenango County WOYC 2020 starting Monday, April 13th for this unique virtual celebration of children, families and early childhood education. 

A big thank you to all community members involved with creating this unique virtual community event.