"Childhood means simplicity. Look at the world with the child's eye-it is very beautiful." -Kaliash Satyarthi
There are 1,825 days between the day children are born and the day they go to kindergarten. That's 1,825 days their brains are soaking up information.
April 6-12 is designated as Week of the Young Child by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). NAEYC first established the Week of the Young Child in 1971. This annual event focuses attention on the needs of young children and their families, recognizing early childhood programs, and providing information about the importance of these developmental years as they provide a foundation for success in school and throughout their lives.
In the first five years, a child’s brain develops faster than any other time in their lives. During this time, your child’s main way of learning and developing is through play. Play gives opportunities for exploration, observing, experimenting, solving problems and learning from our mistakes. These play experiences stimulate the brain creating millions of connections. This is the foundation of learning. High quality early childhood programs offer an opportunity for young learners to grow and develop while exploring their world in a safe and enriching environment.
In Rockford Public Schools, skilled staff educated and trained in early childhood development provide classrooms that meet the needs of each individual child while creating an atmosphere of a school family and working together.
Join us this week on the 205 VIBE Blog as we focus on our youngest learners. Interested in learning more about the RPS 205 Early Childhood opportunities for families with children Birth-age 5? Visit https://rockfordpsil.sites.thrillshare.com/page/early-childhood or call the Early Childhood Screening and Placement Office at 815-229-2103.
Hillary Cook-Harris is the Director of Early Childhood Curriculum and Assessment. Hillary joined RPS 205 in November 2019. She has been an Early Childhood educator and director for more than 30 years.