CELEBRATING OUR YOUNG LEARNERS Butte County Celebrates Week of the Young Child™ April 6, 2018 – The Butte Local Child Care Planning Council is promoting Week of the Young Child™ (April 16-21, 2018) to bring awareness to the importance of early learning and honor all those who make a difference in the lives of young children. “All young children need and deserve high-quality early learning experiences that will prepare them for life,” said Heather Senske, Director Child Development Programs and Services, Butte County Office of Education. “Week of the Young Child™ is a time to bring the community together to recognize that Early Years are Learning Years for all young children.” The growing years between the ages of 0-5 are the most important. This timeframe is when 80-90% of the brain develops, creating the systems of thinking, processing, emotions and relationship building. During this time, it is critical that young children’s needs in all areas of their learning and development are met. The Butte Local Child Care Planning Council has been coordinating events with local organizations to bring awareness to this week of focus on young children. This includes book giveaways during special storytimes at the local library branches, a booth at the Chico Thursday Night Market, and ending the week with the Children’s Faire taking place in the Chico Downtown City Plaza. To learn more about fun events in your community call Butte 211 or look for posters throughout your community. Young children and their families depend on high-quality education and care, which help children get a great start and bring lasting benefits to the community. Week of the Young Child™ is a time to recognize the importance of early learning, and to celebrate the providers and teachers that bring early childhood education and learning experiences to young children. Be sure to thank those working with young children!