PHOTO COURTESY OF MIAMI DADE COLLEGE  

 

HOMESTEAD — Miami Dade College’s (MDC) Homestead Campus and the School of Education will celebrate the 13th annual Day of the Young Child, Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s theme is Sustaining Our Future. The event is free and open to the public.

Children and families will enjoy a host of interactive, early-childhood educational activities with a primary focus on the mental, physical, and emotional development of children from birth to eight years of age. Health screenings, nutritional information and parenting resources will also be made available.

Co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Day of the Young Child is hosted in conjunction with Week of the Young Child (April 12-18), a nationwide campaign by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The purpose is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.

“The factors that shape early childhood are multifaceted, and Day of the Young Child reflects the all-encompassing approach that is necessary to address our children’s well-being and development,” said Homestead Campus President Jeanne Jacobs.” This
annual event offers cultural, educational, and healthcare activities that enhance
parenting skills and a healthy upbringing.”

Families will enjoy a variety of educational activities including: dance presentations, science activities, face painting, music, gardening, creative art experiences and a parade.  Featured performances will include Chinese lion dancers and a Haitian band.

Many community organizations will participate in this year’s event, including Miami Children’s Museum, the South Florida Association for the Education of Young Children, Homestead Hospital and Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces.

In honor and memory of the event’s founder, the third annual Beverly Tate Scholarship award will be presented to a student majoring in education.