With a theme of ‘Building Better Futures for All Children through Literacy’, this is the ninth annual event, with a variety of celebrations and activities scheduled during 4 to10 March.

This observance aims to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families, as well as to support the early-childhood programmes and services, which cater to these segments.

The programme will focus on children from birth to eight-years-old. Monday, appropriately, has been designated as National Childcare Providers Appreciation Day, with students and families encouraged to express special thanks to those who care for and teach children.

Another important event - one that will involve parents - is a panel discussion on ‘Essentials for Early Reading,’ which will be held on Tuesday evening, 8 March, from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the Prospect Primary School.

Another highlight will be a series of visits to district libraries by preschoolers. As part of this focus, parents are encouraged to visit their children’s preschools on Friday, 9 March, and read to the classes.

The week will conclude on Saturday, 10 March, with a Children’s Variety Fundraising Concert and art exhibition at the Mary Miller Hall in Red Bay from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.  The public is encouraged to support these events.

Week of the Young Child organiser Marjorie Beckles of the Early Childhood Unit said, “It is hoped that this year’s activities will help the public, especially parents, to realise that in building better futures for all children we must recommit ourselves to ensuring that each and every child experiences the type of early environment – at home, school and in the community - that will promote early learning.”

This event is a joint project between the Early Childhood Unit and the Cayman Islands Early Childhood Association, which is headed by Reina Jefferson.

Education Minister, Hon Alden McLaughlin, called the Week of the Young Child observance an “important and much anticipated part of the annual education calendar of events.”

Mr McLaughlin added that these activities were intrinsic to developing new approaches to enhancing literacy and an appreciation of life-long learning.

“I encourage families and children to make the most of these events, and to enjoy and learn from the various events and sessions,” he said.

Chief Librarian Benedicta Connolly also encourages parents and guardians to facilitate children’s participation in the week’s activities, as well as to encourage children to read, which would in turn benefit their future lives.

Week of the Young Child is associated with the American National Association for the Education of Young Children.

With 100,000 members in the United States alone, this is the largest early-childhood organisation in the hemisphere, having begun its work in 1971.