MonticelloLive

The School of Education at University of Arkansas at Monticello will celebrate Arkansas Children’s Week, April 13-19 to recognize the needs of young children and thank educators and others involved in the education and care of young children.            

Arkansas Children’s Week coincides with the national Week of the Young Child and is celebrated across the state and country by thousands of local organizations working to improve opportunities for all young children. During the week, School of Education faculty as well as teacher candidates will be reading to young children in area schools.
            In addition, the UAM chapter of Kappa Delta Pi educational honorary society will host a Scholastic Book Fair in the Caucus Room of the John F. Gibson University Center from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day. Donations will be accepted with proceeds used to purchase books for at-risk students.
            “Early learning experiences are crucial to the growth and development of young children,” said Dr. Sue Martin, coordinator of teacher education and P-4 grade early childhood coordinator. “Arkansas Children’s Week provides opportunities for all of us to recognize the importance of the early years, and to work together to build better futures for our children.”
            During Arkansas Children’s Week, the early childhood programs across the state, including childcare and Head Start programs, preschools and elementary schools, hold special events to bring awareness to the needs of young children. “Young children and their families across the state depend on quality education and care,” said Rich Huddleston, executive director of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families. “Arkansas Children’s Week is a time to recognize the people, programs and policies that are helping to build better futures for children.”
            The UAM School of Education is recommending ways for the public to show that high-quality early education is the right choice for kids, including volunteering to work with children and teachers at a school, community center, Head Start or child care program; spending time playing with children; supporting policies and programs that help improve professional opportunities and compensation for teachers and staff; and thanking early childhood educators and others who play a vital role in preparing young children to succeed in school and beyond.
            As part of Arkansas Children’s Week, the First Presbyterian Church of Warren will hose Attend “Family Play Day” April 19 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
            For more information about Arkansas Children’s Week, contact the UAM School of Education at (870) 460-1062.