“Whereas, early childhood educators have been frontline heroes, especially during the pandemic, underscoring the importance of their work in providing high-quality, inclusive care that honors our community’s diversity, there is a growing demand to enhance compensation and respect for these educators, alongside efforts to ensure equitable access to quality early childhood education.” Lebanon Mayor, Timothy McNamara, read these words as he proclaimed April 6-12 as the Week of the Young Child –. a week dedicated to early childhood educators and the important role they play in our communities.
The mayor delivered the proclamation at the Upper Valley Senior Center the morning of Saturday April 6 at a celebration to kick off the Week of the Young Child. Among the estimated 100 people who attended were current and prospective early childhood educators, community members, municipal leaders, families with young children, and business owners.
“For the full two hours, the room was buzzing with connection, – from children playing Jenga and Connect Four to municipal leaders meeting families and listening to their stories,” said Anna Hubbard, Project Manager for Vital Communities’ Early Childhood Education Initiative.
The event, hosted by Vital Communities, the Early Care and Education Association (ECEA), and the City of Lebanon Recreation, Arts, and Parks, celebrated early childhood providers and families with young children with massages, food resources, health and safety resources, music, games and activities, transportation resources, and much more!
Thanks to the great vendors that attended, including:
- Mascoma Bank
- Waypoint
- Captain Page Bakes
- Massages from Spencer Kirkham and Anastasia Ruggiero
- AVA Arts
- Upper Valley Music Center
- Lebanon Police and Fire Departments
- Vital Communities
- Early Care and Education Association
- Home Grown Child Care
- The Family Place
- Women’s Health Resource Center
- Beecharmer (band)
- Katie’s Cookies
- YIA Sitters
Published 4/10/24