Bermuda Celebrates Week Of The Young Child
[Updated] The Bermuda Association for the Education of Young Children [BAEYC], in conjunction with the Child Development Programme, is hosting a number of events this week in order to celebrate the Week of the Young Child.
The week officially opened this morning [Apr 13] at City Hall in Hamilton. Tomorrow [Apr 14] wil see a ‘Let’s Stay Fit!’ event, followed by a Family Fun Evening on April 15, and a ‘Let’s Network!’ event on April 16. On April 17, participating schools will join in on ‘Wear the Rainbow,’ with the Annual Week of the Young Child Conference to take place on April 18.
A spokesperson previously said, “The event is due to be held from Saturday, April 11th through Saturday, April 18th, 2015. The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Celebrating Our Youngest Learners.’
“Our Official Opening Ceremony will take place at City Hall Steps on Monday, April 13th, starting at 10 a.m. Members of our community will partake in the ceremony.
“The Minister of Education, Hon. Wayne Scott will be giving the opening remarks. Mr. Chris Crumpler is our Guest Speaker. Young Female Athlete, LeiLanni Nesbeth will be stating the Proclamation and various nurseries and preschools will be presenting musical selections.”
Update 3.40pm: In his opening remarks, Minister of Education Wayne Scott said, “We know that from birth to age four is the time when children learn the fastest. Their growth and development milestones are most significant.
“In just the span of four short years children learn to crawl, babble then talk, sing, dance and read. Their development is amazing. It is said that during this period they learn about morals – right and wrong and respecting others. It is a most crucial time in their lives and needs to be supported and protected.”
Minister Scott with Bermuda Montessori School student Ryahn Ball:
“We owe it to our youngest learners to celebrate their development and provide the support necessary. Since its inception, the Bermuda Government’s Child Development Programme or CDP has provided support services for families in Bermuda with children from age birth to four years old.
“CDP has collaborated with Bermuda Association for the Education of Young Child to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize that early childhood education and services are vital for our future generations.”
“This week of the Young Child is a perfect time to recommit ourselves to provide at home, in our community and schools an environment that helps a child thrive.”
