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Week of the Young Child Emphasizes Fun, Early Education

April 9, 2005 — Saturday marked the end of the Week of the Young Child, celebrated April 3 through 9. The Department of Human Services Office of Childcare and Regulatory Services celebrated, along with hundreds of local organizations around the country, to promote high-quality child care, preschool and other early education opportunities for young children, and honor the teachers and administrators who work to improve those programs.
Week of the Young Child honors the more than 35 million children from birth through age eight in America, and the families, teachers and other adults who help children make the most of the opportunities of their early years.
Locally, the Department of Human Services celebrated at TuTu Park Mall in the center court. Clowns were on hand to entertain children with face painting and balloon sculptures. At noon, the children themselves provided the entertainment with dancing, skits and singing "Children are Our Future, They're Everybody's Business." The area was also filled with informative booths about child care options on St. Thomas.
"We want to get parents interested in getting children involved in education," said Monife Stout, public relations administrator for the Department of Human Services.
Peggy Wilkins, licensing specialist with the DHS says there are 120 daycare centers, group homes, after school programs and hotel camps on the island.
"There's a need for more, but we want quality," she said.
Stout and Wilkins said legislation is pending on new regulations for opening daycare centers. When it goes through, candidates will have to have an associate's degree. Currently, candidates need early childhood training and a high school diploma.
"Research and experience clearly show that children's earliest years are crucial learning years," said Brenda Harrigan-Walwyn, program director. "Week of the Young Child is a chance to celebrate the learning opportunities of young children, and to recognize the responsibilities we share for helping them make the most of those opportunities." Stout said the celebration coincides with Abuse Prevention Month, April's theme.
On St. Croix Friday, children from day care centers marched from the old Sunshine Supermarket to the Sunshine Mall where they participated in fun and games.
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