National Week of the Young Child ties to Month of the Military Child

  • Published
  • By 341st Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Services Flight
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  April is not only the Month of the Military Child , but the week of April 19 to 25 is National Week of the Young Child.

This week will be celebrated across the country and the 341st Force Support Squadron, Airman and Family Services Flight, will join in the celebration. The Child Development Center, Youth Programs and licensed Family Child Care Homes will honor young children and all those who make a difference in children's lives throughout this week.

"All young children need and deserve high quality early learning experiences that will prepare them for life, and our Airman and Family Services Flight has a great opportunity to do our part to help young children," said Leisa Drain, Training and Curriculum Specialist for the Child Development Center. "Week of the Young Child is time to recognize the importance of early learning for all young children and to highlight our efforts to help give all young children within our base community a great start."

Young children and their families depend on high-quality education and care, which help children get a great start and bring benefits that last a lifetime. Week of the Young Child is time to recognize the importance of early learning and early literacy, and to celebrate the early childhood professionals and policies that bring early childhood education to young children.

"The focus in our programs this week will be to get families involved," Mrs. Drain said. "The key to any quality early childhood program is a strong connection between the program and families. The CDC, YP and FCC homes will have special activities planned throughout the week.

"The Week of the Young Child is a great opportunity to strengthen our bond with parents and showcase our efforts to provide valuable learning experiences," Mrs. Drain said.

The CDC, accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and School-Age Program, with accreditation through the National After-School Association, are dedicated to improving the quality of early childhood programs for young children. Providers that operate licensed FCC homes are highly encouraged to seek accreditation through the National Association for Family Child Care. By meeting the stringent standards of early childhood accreditation, we provide programs that give children a strong foundation for their developmental and educational future.