Week of the Young Child Kickoff

Posted by on April 09, 2012

Harcum College’s Early Childhood Education Program will host its first-ever kickoff event for the Week of the Young Child – an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world’s largest early childhood education association. The purpose of the week is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.

The event will take place on Harcum’s campus on Saturday, April 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free training will be available for individuals who provide professional development and technical assistance to early childhood and school-age professionals in Pennsylvania. From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., a Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System (PQAS) certified instructor will train guests on inclusion, a special approach to educating students with special needs, as well as other topics. Those who complete the training will receive a certificate for their PQAS hours.

In addition, games and activities will be available for children. The activities are sponsored by Harcum’s Association for the Education of Young Children (HAEYC), a local chapter of the NAEYC. Proceeds from food, beverage and raffle sales at the event will benefit HAEYC.

“The Week of the Young Child is an important celebration of early childhood education, drawing public attention to the issues that young children face and the ways that our society can meet those needs,” said Joanne Thames, Program Director of Harcum’s Early Childhood Education Program. “Through our event this year, Harcum is looking forward to celebrating with children in our community, while also providing valuable training to early education professionals.”

Harcum’s Early Childhood Education Program is designed to prepare students to become high-quality professionals who will strive to make a difference in their communities. The major is based on NAEYC’s national standards and is offered in full-time day and accelerated programs, as well as part-time day and evening programs.

For more information about the event or to register, please call Laura Taddei at 610-513-6144 or email ltaddei@harcum.edu.