Month of the Young Child is an opportunity for early childhood programs, including child care, Head Start programs, preschools and elementary schools, to hold activities to bring awareness to the needs of young children.

During the month of April, the Office of Child Health encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making Georgia a better place for young children and their families.  

The Georgia Department of Public Health's (DPH) Office of Child Health, along with Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems/Peach Partners has coordinated several activities for the month of April which are in line with the focus weeks of physical development (April 1-6); social-emotional development (April 7-13); cognitive development (April 14-20); and language and literacy development (April 21-30).

Developing early reading skills is crucial to children's success in school. During the month of April, the Office of Child Health is sponsoring a book drive. Donations of new or gently used books are requested and books can be donated by state office employees and family members. Donation bins are located in the elevator banks of 2 Peachtree.

On April 12, a Kite Day was held at Central Park in Atlanta in observance of Month of the Young Child. Kite Day is a fun opportunity to recognize and celebrate Georgia's young children and the programs and individuals that serve them. Local Pre-K classrooms were invited to bring children to this day of fun in the park to decorate and fly kites, enjoy music and more. Programs that serve young children and their families were also invited to share their information with attendees.

A statewide Call to Read will be held through April 20. During this week, all caregivers and childcare providers are asked to read "How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?" by Jane Yolen. The Call to Read aims to promote discussion, encourage cognitive development and demonstrate quality time between children and adults.

On April 17, the Georgia Children's Cabinet, Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Education and Learning, and Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems will provide training titled Early Childhood Social-Emotional Development. This training will cover the importance of early relationships as the foundation for a healthy life, the social-emotional domain and how it is fundamental to learning, as well as best practice models in Georgia for positive social-emotional development. If you are interested in attending, please contact gemcdowell@dhr.state.ga.us 

Please contact Nina M. Johnson, nmjohnson@dhr.state.ga.us, for additional information about Month of the Young Child Activities.

-Story by Nina Johnson, Office of Child Health