Week of the Young Child coordinators, Place Executive Director Sharon Vesely and Early Childhood Educator Rachel Ballin, were recognized by Norwich Mayor Shawn Sastri for their community work at a recent city meeting. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – Community members are invited to join us, April 10 to16, on Facebook at Chenango County Young Children & Families to celebrate the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Week of the Young Child (WOYC). This year highlights the 50th Anniversary. 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, Family Enrichment Network, Morrisville State College Early Childhood Program and Early Childhood Educators have been collaborating and creating an exciting virtual week filled with new opportunities, learning experiences, educational activities and resources. Starting Saturday, April 10th, 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.

This year, participants will also be able to pick up a free project kit to coincide with learning experiences and activities shared on the Facebook page throughout the week. Families must

pre-register for a free kit via the Chenango County Young Children & Families Facebook page or by calling The Place 607-336-9696 by April 8th. Activity kit pick-up will be April 9th at The Place in Norwich.

As early childhood professionals, our hope is to support, encourage and inspire the children, families and care providers in our community. Please join us on Facebook at Chenango County Young Children & Families starting Saturday, April 10th 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.

– By Rachel Ballin, The Place