07-04-2025
Rockford mayor declares week-long celebration of early childhood development programs
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara has proclaimed April 5th – 11th as 'The Week of the Young Child,' in conjunction with a national movement to encourage early childhood learning and development.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) organizes and promotes the week-long event that highlights the role of early childhood education in shaping an individual's future.
Each day this week revolves around a different theme, with today being Music Monday, focusing on the importance of music in a child's development.
'We use it all throughout our entire day. We use it as a vehicle for academics. We use it as a vehicle to move kids from one area to another, like transitions,' said Summerdale Early Childhood Center Principal Dr. Jennifer Lak-Keilman. 'Music can be linked to being a vehicle to help children learn their phonetic awareness words, putting things together. Also, math concepts can be tied to music, and we can use them for rhythm and for counting activities and such.'
'Early childhood programs play a key role in the development of language skills, social-emotional skills, those crucial foundational skills for reading, math skills, and even when you think social studies, taking care of the environment, ecology, and things like that are all learned during these young years,' said executive director of Early Chilhood Education Kim Nelson.
Harlem High School, at 1 Huskie Circle, in Machesney Park, will host a 'Week of the Young Child' family fun fair on Saturday, April 12th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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