KEARNEY – Families, educators, advocates and community members are invited to take part in the upcoming Kearney Area Week of the Young Child activities.
Scheduled for April 4-8, the free events celebrate early learning, young children and their families, teachers and community.
“We are so excited to once again offer great family fun for our youngest learners in the community and their families,” said Chelsea Bartling, director of the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s Plambeck Early Childhood Education Center. “Early childhood is a crucial developmental stage, and our community does so much to help and support our young children. This is a time when we celebrate our young children and say thank you to our amazing educators, community resources and families for all their support.”
Established in 1971 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Week of the Young Child events are planned across the country to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.
KEARNEY AREA WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD
Monday, April 4 – 5-8 p.m.
Kickoff event at Sonic Drive-In, 4807 Third Ave. Stop by for a meal, snack or beverage, with proceeds supporting the Family Advocacy Network.
Tuesday, April 5 – 5-7 p.m.
“Celebrate the Young Children” event at Hilltop Mall, 5011 Second Ave., with carnival-themed food, agency booths with games and prizes and access to community programs. Mall businesses will also join in the fun.
Thursday, April 7 – 5-6:30 p.m.
A family-friendly scavenger hunt at Cottonmill Park with prizes provided by Kearney Park and Recreation. Meet at the lodge.
Friday, April 8 – 6-8:30 p.m.
“Family Movie Night” at Golden Ticket Cinemas inside Hilltop Mall featuring a free screening of a family-appropriate movie for adults and children. Attendance is limited, and concessions are available for purchase.
Kearney Area Week of the Young Child is sponsored by the Plambeck Early Childhood Education Center, UNK College of Education, UNK Dining, Kearney Public Schools, Bright Futures Preschool, Buffalo County Community Partners, Nebraska Early Learning Connection, Rooted in Relationships, Buffett Early Childhood Institute, Hilltop Mall, Golden Ticket Cinemas, Kearney Park and Recreation, Sonic and Prevent Child Abuse Nebraska.
For more information, contact Bartling at 308-865-1576 or bartlingc@unk.edu.
