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Suffolk Early Childhood Development Commission celebrates the 2021 Week of the Young Child, April 10-16 with a month-long reading challenge for families of children ages 0-8 in partnership with the Suffolk Public Library.

The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration that focuses public attention on the needs of young children and their families and recognizes the early childhood programs that assist in meeting those needs.

“The National Association for the Education of Young Children is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Week of the Young Child. As we all know, our young children and early childhood educators have faced an incredibly challenging year, so it seemed only fitting to extend the celebration from one week to the entire month in order to truly convey just how much love and respect we have for the children and caregivers within our community,” said Suffolk Early Childhood Development Commission Coordinator Shawna LoMonaco.

Children ages 0-8 and their parents or caregivers can sign up for the Seeds to Sprouts Reading and Learning Challenge. Registered children and families will read and complete activities through the month of April to be eligible for prizes. All participants that read at least 100 minutes and complete at least three of the family activities will be eligible for the grand prizes drawings.

Additionally, in recognition of Week of the Young Child, there will be daily prize drawings starting April 12 and ending April 16. Sign up at http://suffolkpubliclibrary.beanstack.org and pick up your registration pack of surprises while supplies last. Families are encouraged to share their Seeds to Sprouts experiences on social media using #WOYC2021 #SPL #SuffolkECDC.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children is honoring young children and those who make a difference in their lives during the 2021 Week of the Young Child.

Week of the Young Child celebrates what quality early learning looks, sounds, feels, and even tastes like! In five fun-filled days, this campaign showcases hands-on collaborative activities encouraging movement and healthy lifestyles through music, food, art and more.

To learn more about The National Association for the Education of Young Children, visit www.naeyc.org.

To learn more about ECDC, visit www.suffolkecdc.com and follow https://www.facebook.com/SuffolkECDC on Facebook.

To learn more about the Suffolk Public Library, visit www.suffolkpubliclibrary.com. Follow the library on Twitter @SufPubLib and check for updates on Facebook at Facebook.com/SuffolkPublicLibrary and Instagram @suffolkpubliclibrary. Subscribe to Suffolk Public Library’s YouTube Channel to access classes and events.