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Week of the Young Child Appreciation Reception
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To celebrate Week of the Young Child, April 22-28, 2007, the Masonic Village Child Care Center in Elizabethtown hosted an Appreciation
Reception to honor individuals for their contribution to the early childhood community on Thursday, April 26, from 9 - 11 a.m. Managed by
Hildebrandt Learning Centers, the center provided tours and opportunities for the guests to see first hand the impact of changes
made to the program based on the Early Childhood Initiatives in Pennsylvania. Attendees were invited to join the children in activities
in the classrooms to experience the importance of quality child care and the impact it has on the community. Light refreshments were served.
"People have realized the importance of educating children at an earlier age," said Rose Snyder, director of the Masonic Village Child Care Center. "That is why these initiatives are so important in our efforts to provide children with quality educational environments to ensure their best possible development. Early care and education is the foundation for all future learning."
Rep. David Hickernell read to the children the book, "A Splendid Friend, Indeed" by Suzanne Bloom at 9 a.m. This is part of the Pennsylvania "One Book Every Young Child" campaign.
Other guests in attendance included Bill Grant, chief executive officer for Hildebrandt Learning Centers, LLC; Dr. Allen Thrush, superintendent for Elizabethtown Area School District; Pixie Berman, United Way Success by Six director; Bob Bell, director, Pennsylvania Pre K Counts; and Beverly Sweigart, director of administration for Masonic Village.
In celebration of Week of the Young Child, the children and staff had many exciting events planned that support this year's theme, "Building Better Futures for All Children." They created special classroom door displays showcasing the children's creativity. Activities included many fun events and resources for families about health living, quality care environments and the importance of building better futures for our children. Many families and staff are participating in the Walk America event for the March of Dimes in support of healthy babies, and the celebration will end with a family fun night where families can learn more about health and fitness and enjoy time together.
The Masonic Village Child Care Center opened in 1989 and serves 116 children, ages 6 weeks through 6 years, who are grouped in classrooms according to their developmental age. In addition, the center offers a full-day Pennsylvania Department of Education licensed kindergarten program, as well as a summer camp for children in first through fifth grades. The center is accredited by NAEYC and is a Pennsylvania Keystone Stars 4 Star Program.
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