Lansing USD469 Celebrates Week of the Young Child (April 4-8, 2022) - VIDEO!
The Week of the Young Child® is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world's largest early childhood education association. The purpose is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs.
Today we know more than ever about the importance of children's earliest years in shaping their learning and development. Yet, never before have the needs of young children and their families been more pressing. The Week of the Young Child is a time to recognize that children's opportunities are our responsibilities and to recommit ourselves to ensuring that every child experiences the type of early environment—at home, at child care, at school, and in the community—that will promote their early learning.
Lansing Early Childhood teacher, Jessica Garner, brought information about this activity to her early childhood team. Teachers brainstormed ideas and activities for each day of the week. The children enjoyed participating in hands-on, collaborative activities encouraging movement and healthy lifestyles through music, food, and art. Fun was had by all!
On Thursday, April 7, 2022, all of Lansing USD 469 district's Early Childhood Teams worked together to plan and implement a Touch a Truck Event in honor of Week of the Young Child. Parents as Teachers, preschool, pre-K 4, and daycare families participated in this incredible family event. Approximately 145 people attended the event, including students, siblings, parents, and special adults. The cold weather could not keep these children away from the big fun. Children and adults were able to touch or get into a dump truck, cement mixer, tractor, two fire trucks, skid loader, supped-up jeep, school bus, and a bucket truck. The students and parents were all so excited.
Some comments that from those attending were:
- "You should do this more often."
- "I wish they did this every day."
- "This is just the best."
The families were also treated to popcorn, sensory play bins, tattoos, local McDonald's coupons, and photo opportunities.
We would like to thank Senator Jeff Pittman for attending and all the businesses and individuals who volunteered their time and vehicles.
- Jane Gates from the Lansing USD469 Transportation Department
- Dalton Thomas with Thomas Turf and Landscape
- Tom Young with Young Sign Company
- Clint Hiestand with Heistand Land Management
- Lansing Fire Station 1 with a Fire Truck
- Officer Leif French with Lansing Police Department
- Trevor Huhn brought a vintage Fire Truck
- Brian Schwinn with Geiger Ready Mix
- Morgan Swiller with Linaweaver
- Dale Verran brought a supped Jeep
- USD 469 brought a snowplow and mower
- Leavenworth McDonald's
- Thank you to Kelly Faulk and Cindy Willis for contributing to this article.