Week of the Young Child April 12-18
- contact: Sarah Casey - University Communications
- phone: 402.554.2762
- email: scasey@unomaha.edu
- search keywords:
- Early Childhood
- Child Welfare
Each year, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) honors early childhood educators during the "Week of the Young Child." This year, the week will be celebrated April 12-18.
"The Early Years are the Learning Years! Honor early childhood teachers who are at the heart of quality early learning during NAEYC's Week of the Young Child.™"
About the "Week of the Young Child"
The Week of the Young Child™ is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world's largest early childhood education association, with nearly 80,000 members and a network of over 300 local, state, and regional Affiliates.
The purpose of the Week of the Young Child™ 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.
NAEYC first established the Week of the Young Child™ in 1971, recognizing that the early childhood years (birth through age 8) lay the foundation for children's success in school and later life. The Week of the Young Child™ is a time to plan how we—as citizens of a community, of a state, and of a nation—will better meet the needs of all young children and their families.
In 2011, NAEYC celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Week of the Young Child™
Frequently asked questions about NAEYC and the "Week of the Young Child"
Early Childhood at UNO
Did you know that two out of three educators in the Omaha metropolitan area hold a degree from UNO? There is a reason the schools throughout our city hire UNO graduates: we take smart students who are passionate about teaching and we encourage them to excel in the real world.
Amongst various teacher education options at UNO is the early childhood endorsement. Future teachers are learning how to instruct during the critical formative years of a child’s life.
On-Campus Experiences for Children
In addition to the educational endorsements, UNO provides opportunities for children from the community to come on campus and learn through hands-on experiences.
Interactive demonstrations take place throughout the year, and various camps are offered each summer.
UNO Child Care Center
There is also an on-campus accredited child care center providing care for those aged 18 months through 12 years of age. The administration of the UNO Child Care Center (UNOCCC) takes its commitment to high quality child care for children seriously. Therefore, the center was the first program in Nebraska to be accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This distinction means that the program meets and continues to pursue the highest standards of quality.
The UNOCCC staff is selected because of training and/or experience in working with children. Lead teachers have either bachelor's or associate degrees and assistants have at least two years' experience in working with children. Teacher's aides are often students majoring in education.