Communities across Arizona will join the annual nationwide celebration that focuses attention on early learning and the educators who support the positive development of young children.
Many First Things First regions are partnering with local organizations to recognize the annual Week of the Young Child, which this year falls during April 11-17, and is hosted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Gov. Doug Ducey recently signed a proclamation honoring the week, as did State Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman.
The week is filled with ideas for hands-on activities encouraging movement and healthy lifestyles through music, food and art.
FTF and the Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children (AzAEYC) have partnered again to promote the week through a variety of social media posts and stories highlighting the work of early childhood educators.
There is a theme for each day of the week: Music Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Work Together Wednesday, Artsy Thursday, and Family Friday. Each theme focuses on a particular content area with suggestions for celebrating while also raising awareness of the importance of quality early experiences. Follow and share with the hashtag #woyc20 on social media to amplify the importance of early learning in Arizona and across the country.
The following municipalities and local organizations have issued proclamations, organized by FTF region.
East Maricopa
City of Chandler
Town of Cave Creek
Town of Guadalupe
La Paz/Mohave
La Paz County Board of Supervisors
Navajo/Apache
Town of Pinetop/Lakeside
Show Low Chamber of Commerce
Phoenix North/Phoenix South
City of Phoenix
Southeast Maricopa
City of Mesa
Town of Gilbert
Town of Queen Creek
Southwest Maricopa
City of Avondale
