This week, April 3 – April 9, is The Week of the Young Child! Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world’s largest early childhood education association. This week, we focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the critical importance of early childhood programs in supporting families to thrive.

At Marguerite’s Place, Week of the Young Child is recognition of the key role that our child care program has on both our children’s development as well as overall family stabilization. Our program is designed to support children to thrive and grow through intentional, social emotional learning curricula. In our classrooms, children learn coping skills, hone their creativity, build relationships, and learn how to express their emotions in a healthy way. These skills prepare children to thrive in Kindergarten and provides the foundation for successful learning and relationships throughout their lives.

The amazing programming we provide children every day is made possible by our incredible Child Care team. Our teachers are licensed, accredited professionals who pour their intelligence, training, and love into our classrooms, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

For Week of the Young Child 2023, we wanted to elevate the voices of our educators and share from the importance of Early Childhood Education in their own words:

“Why is Early Childhood Education so important?”

“Early childhood is such a critical time when children are learning at an accelerated rate and thrive with cognitive, physical, and social-emotional support to start them on a positive path of learning, growth, and resiliency.”

Brenna, Toddler Teacher

“Early childhood education is so important because it provides children with a safe environments to learn and grow in while also offering the opportunity to build positive relationships with others.”

Abrial, Toddler Teacher

“Early education for young children provides a scientifically-based and unparalleled opportunity for the most important members of our society to receive guidance and learning opportunities based on critical social and emotional skills that will guide them through a lifetime of successful interactions with family, peers, and leadership. ”

Jammie, Childcare Program Coordinator

“Early Childhood Education is important because it provides a safe space for children to grow into their own creative and unique persona with support from peers and teachers.”

Alexis, Preschool Teacher

“It gives children the opportunities and space to develop at their own pace.”

Erin, Infant Teacher

“Early childhood education is important because it supports the holistic growth of children!” Savannah, Preschool Teacher

Our investment in children now is an investment in our collective future; we are fostering a love of learning in our community’s future scientists, doctors, musicians, artists, and teachers. Equally important is the social emotional learning occurring at Marguerite’s Place – we are teaching resiliency, conflict resolution, and empathy to our children, who will help us build a kinder, more just world. This Week of the Young Child 2023, let us all commit to advocating for more accessible, quality Early Childhood Education for all!