At an NAEYC conference many years ago, Mr. Rogers was the keynote speaker. He was a powerful speaker which was a bit surprising to me because of his TV persona of being so soft spoken. After he began speaking, someone brought him a sweater onstage as a gift. He very slowly took off his jacket and put it on.  He was quite a story teller and could alternately make the entire audience laugh and cry.

When my children were young Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood was my pick for them to watch. He said such common sense things. His voice was soothing. He was kind and taught about diversity way back then. Mr. Rogers birthday is celebrated on February 27th. Sweaters on and hats off to him!

It’s April––that means The Week of the Young Child can’t be far behind!  The week will be celebrated April 11-17 and the theme is Early Years are Learning Years.

When I directed a child care center, we did all sorts of things from displaying children’s creative artwork with a capital C in grocery stores and libraries to celebrating the early years with festivals all around town.  Yes, our mayor did issue a proclamation!  I remember taking kids into his office and them giving him a big hug ( a great photo opportunity as you might imagine) but important to all of us who care about children and the adults who care for them.

This year, we’re offering our Ages & Stages:  Off to a Good Start pamphlets at a discount.  They’re colorful and fun, and a great way to help parents understand the extraordinary journey they are on as they move through the developmental stages with their children.  Another thing I’ve been doing is finding great sites online and reminding them to put the dates of WOYC on their calendars.  I think it’s an important way to raise awareness for a tradition that’s been around for what– 3o years or more!  If you want some fresh ideas on how to make the celebration special in your town, visit www.naeyc.org.