Heartland AEYC's WOYC Celebration

The Heartland AEYC hosted the 2nd Annual Early Childhood Provider Appreciation on April 10th to kick off the Week of the Young Child. The event was hosted at the Sunset Zoo in Manhattan.

Laps for Kids

Hooray for Hats By: Brian Won

To begin the event, Heartland AEYC invited children and families to participate in Laps for Kids. Activities based on children's books were set up for children and families to participate in as they made their lap around the zoo.

Pouch By David Ezra Stein

Bear Hunt By Michael Rosen

Heartland AEYC was grateful for the Kansas State University Early Childhood Education students who volunteered to participate with the children. 

Flags

Purple flags were displayed at the zoo to represent the 6,126 children in licensed child care in Riley, Geary, Clay, and Pottawatomie counties. 

Reception

The reception was held at the zoo's amphitheater. Heartland AEYC recognized 15 area professionals for their outstanding work serving young children and their families.

Professionals Recognized:

Stephanie Shelkey

Heather Hoeting

Kandi Sultz

Denae Jones

Mandy Loya

Jenny King

Amanda Ricketts

Justine Anthony

Dana Doornick

Melody Padgett

Ellen Templin

Olivia Tolson

Tanisha Burgess

Thomas Smith

Chelsea Mitchell

Douglas County WOYC Celebration

Early Childhood professionals in Douglas County stayed busy preparing for and participating in the Week of the Young Child. Several events took place throughout the community, sparking collaboration and learning for children and adults. 

Music Monday:

A current teacher at Googols of Learning, Kolby Koczanowski, hosted a Drum Circle at the Toy Store downtown Lawrence in celebration of Music Monday!

Taco Tuesday:

Anna Jenny, the Executive Director of the Douglas County Child Development Association, and a student at Children's Learning Center, accepted the City's official proclamation of Week of the Young Child at the April 12th City commission meeting. We thank Mayor Amyx and the Lawrence City Commission for recognizing the importance of quality early childhood education! 

Two local eating establishments offered “specials” in honor of early childhood education and Taco Tuesday! 

Work Together Wednesday:

Centers and families were encouraged to work together in support of quality early learning. 

Artsy Thursday:

Artwork from several Lawrence childcare centers were on display downtown and other locations throughout the city. 

Prairie Park Nature Center hosted an event for children and families. Participants were invited to watch a show at 4 pm and complete a scavenger hunt after that encouraged exploration of the outdoors with a roving naturalist. 

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You can check out more pictures on the Week of the Young Child 2016 – Lawrence Area Facebook page!

Amy Gottschamer, Owner and Executive Director of Googols of Learning, made a radio appearance on AM 1320. A special “thank you” to Hank Booth for hosting and providing an opportunity to talk about the importance of early care and education!

Interested in connecting with other early childhood professionals in the Lawrence area? Comment here, send us an e-mail, or message us on Facebook or Twitter!

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