Erie County, partners celebrate Week of the Young Child

National celebration puts spotlight on early childhood education

√ Live Well Erie, partners highlight critical role parents, caregivers & educators play in development of young children

Submitted by the Office of Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz

Erie County has geared up to celebrate the Week of the Young Child, an annual event sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (“NAEYC”) and dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of early childhood education and the needs of young children and their families. From April 6-12, a variety of activities and events will take place throughout the county to highlight the significance of investing in the early years of a child's life.

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz was joined today at the Hennepin Community Center in Buffalo by Deputy County Executive and Live Well Erie Co-Chair Lisa Chimera; Erie County Legislator Howard Johnson (1st District); Kim Stewart, director of Early Childhood PEDALS & Help Me Grow WNY; Kimberly Kadziolka, executive director at Parent Network WNY; members of the Live Well Erie Initiative; and enthusiastic children to present a proclamation and announce the Week of the Young Child.

Poloncarz said, “Celebrating the Week of the Young Child is a good opportunity to say ‘Thank you’ to the many educators and role models children have in their earliest years, the people who are instrumental to raising heathy, happy, well-adjusted children. Through our Live Well Erie initiative, we are building partnerships and fostering relationships that will further this critical mission and are creating a community where families and caregivers of young children have the supports and services they need to succeed.”

Organized by local community leaders and child care providers, the Week of the Young Child celebration aims to promote early learning opportunities that are crucial for children's development and future success. Through engaging and interactive activities, families, educators and policymakers will come together to emphasize the importance of providing quality early childhood education and support services.

Stewart said, "Help Me Grow WNY celebrates the champions of early childhood - parents, caregivers and community members alike. Through collaborative efforts and a shared commitment to 'work together,' we ensure that every child in Erie County and beyond receives the support they need. With a focus on early screening, we empower families to address developmental concerns proactively, setting the stage for lifelong success.”

Kadziolka added, “The foundational years of childhood are incredibly important as they shape the future of our children. By prioritizing early childhood education and ensuring access to developmental strategies, we support our young ones and lay the groundwork for lifelong success and well-being.”

Throughout the week, Live Well Erie will be conducting a social media campaign that will highlight the critical role that parents, educators and caregivers play in nurturing the cognitive, social and emotional development of young children.

For more information about Week of the Young Child events in Erie County, visit follow Live Well Erie’s social media pages on Facebook and X @livewellerie. For more information on Live Well Erie, visit https://www4.erie.gov/livewellerie/.