DUBOIS COUNTY CELEBRATES WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD

This week, Dubois County joins communities across the country to celebrate the Week of the Young Child (April 11-17). Established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), this annual celebration focuses public attention on the needs of young children and their families while recognizing the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.

The Week of the Young Child serves as a reminder of the importance of high-quality early childhood experiences for families and communities, a necessity for a child's future success. Research shows that the first five years are the most crucial period for human development. During this time, the brain develops more rapidly than at any other point in life, forming 1 million new neural connections every second. By age five, 90% of a child’s brain is already developed, laying the foundation for all future learning, behavior, and health.

"Early learning experiences lay the foundation for a child’s future success. When we invest in young children, we’re not only supporting kindergarten readiness—we’re building the skills, confidence, and curiosity that lead to lifelong learning,” Dr. Tracy Lorey, Superintendent of Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools, said. “Every child deserves a strong start, and high- quality early childhood programs help make that possible."

In 2024, the Dubois County Community Foundation launched a county-wide effort to expand access to high-quality, affordable early childhood education. To lead this work, a committee of community partners and early care providers—Thrive by Five—was formed and continues to lead the initiative, focusing on four key pillars of impact.

 Increase Capacity: Expanding the number of available high-quality childcare seats so that no child is left on a waitlist.

 Increase Quality: Supporting local providers in reaching higher standards of care and learning.

 Increase Community Education and Awareness: Help families understand the critical importance of the first five years for brain development and equip them with the knowledge to identify high-quality early care and learning experiences.

 Support the ECE Workforce: Investing in early childhood education (ECE) professionals who play a critical role in shaping children’s development and preparing them for lifelong learning.

“During the Week of the Young Child, we celebrate the joy, curiosity, and potential of our youngest learners. Every moment we invest in early childhood through play, connection and care helps build a stronger future for our community,” Deanna Vonderheide, Director of A Kid’s Place, said. A Kid's Place is a Level 4 NAEYC-accredited childcare center in Huntingburg that serves infants through preschool.

For more information about the Week of the Young Child, please visit https://www.naeyc.org/ or to learn more about Dubois County’s Early Care initiative, Thrive by Five, visit https://www.dccommunityfoundation.org/early-care. #