AHOSKIE – The National Association for the Education of Young Children is the largest Association in the world with a membership of over 100,000. The Association has proclaimed April 11-16 as the Week of the Young Child.

The Week of the Young Child (WOYC) is held each year to honor young children. It also serves as a way to encourage state, local affiliates, early childhood programs and organizations that work on behalf of young children to plan WOYC events that will bring the community together. This year’s theme is ‘Early Years Are Learning Years.”

The Hertford County Daycare Association (HCDA) consists of daycare directors, teachers, parents, and advocates for children. In celebration of this week, HCDA wants to honor young children by bringing the community together with a weeklong list of fun filled family events. In order to make these events a success HCDA needs funding, donations, (food, etc), volunteers/leaders, elected and paid officials, business owners, churches and educators to make contributions and to visit local daycare centers/homes to share their talents with the children.

On April 16, a parade is planned for 10 a.m. in Ahoskie down a portion of Main Street. The parade will begin at Southern Bank of Ahoskie and end at the Ahoskie Recreational Center. There is no entry fee for parade, however, donations will be greatly appreciated. HCDA is asking the community, schools, churches, child care facilities, elected/paid officials and businesses to participate in the parade.

Immediately following the parade, there will be a Family Fun Day from 12 noon-4pm at the Ahoskie Recreational Center. Community Programs and agencies are invited to come display their educational resources. The deadline for vendors and parade participants is Monday, April 4. Vendors should contact Essie W. Davis at 332-4645 or 287-9950, Tiffany Sessoms at 332-3000 or Reshamah Manley at 757-763-8117.