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Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. has proclaimed the week of April 10-16, as Week of the Young Child in the U.S. Virgin Islands to focus attention on the young children of the territory, and to increase awareness of their talents and capacities. This designated week is also an opportunity to celebrate the policies, as well as the caregivers and teachers who bring early childhood education and care to young children and their families.
Recognizing that the early years from birth to age eight lay the foundation for children’s success in school and later years, the Week of the Young Child is a national celebration that provides a reminder on the need to be diligent and comprehensive in providing early education and care programs, such as healthcare services and literacy-focused efforts to children and families.
The government of the Virgin Islands, through the Departments of Human Services, Health and Education and the Committee on Early Childhood Education and Care of the Governor’s Children and Families Council, in conjunction with the National Association for the Education of Young Children, recognize that raising awareness of the needs of young children is an important part of assisting their development and advancement.
Knowing that young children represent the future of our islands, it is critical that we harness and channel their potential not only for their benefit, but for the benefit of our society in total and for future generations. In channeling our collective resources to achieve these goals, we encourage high quality early childhood experiences necessary to promote optimal health, safety, growth and development for all Virgin Islands children.
As part of the Week of the Young Child observation, the sixth annual Read on the Green event for schools and childcare centers will be held from 8:30-11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 15, from at the University of the Virgin Islands golf course on St. Thomas. This year’s theme is “Early Years Are Learning Years.” Young children from private and parochial early childhood educational centers, as well as students from public, private and parochial elementary schools will be participating in the event. In addition, schools and centers will be conducting events at their campuses during the week.
On St. Croix, members of the Committee on Early Childhood Education and Care and its workgroups will read to children at childcare and Head Start centers as part of the Share a Story program.
Governor de Jongh calls upon Virgin Islands residents and community organizations to recognize and support the needs of young children in our community. The governor also encourages parents of children in kindergarten through third grade to visit schools to show support for their children and the professionals who care for and educate them.
