The Weatherford College Education Department and Early Childhood Development Program will join others across the country in celebrating the national Week of the Young Child April 19-25, 2009. As part of observances across the nation, WC is honoring young children and all those who make a difference in children's lives.

"All young children need and deserve high-quality early learning experiences that will prepare them for life, and Weatherford College has a great opportunity to do our part to help young children," said Sharron Lawrence, director of the WC Education Department. "The Week of the Young Child is time to recognize the importance of early learning for all young children, and to bring Weatherford together to help give all young children a great start. We honor and appreciate the efforts (childcare workers) make to enable our young children to have a safe learning environment daily."

WC's program will begin with all-day seminar designed specifically for child care workers April 18, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., in the Doss Student Center on WC's main campus at 225 College Park. Registration will begin at 8:15 a.m., and sessions will begin at 9 a.m., lasting through late afternoon. Registration for the seminar is $25, with lunch provided. During opening remarks beginning at 9 a.m., Weatherford Mayor Dennis Hooks will issue an official City proclamation declaring April 19-25 the Week of the Young Child in Weatherford.

The Saturday seminar schedule includes:

• Session One, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Children's Health by Dr. James Rowland;
• Session Two, 10:45-11:45 a.m., Children's Physical Health, a gym presentation by Crystal Ostermann;
• Session Three, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Child Nutrition video with lunch provided;
• Session Four, 1-2 p.m., Menu Planning by Kathy Smith;
• Session Five, 2-3 p.m., Family Dentist with Dr. Seth Atkins;
• Session Six, 3-3:45 p.m., Play Therapy with Brenda Faulkner.

The WC Early Childhood Development program is an affiliate of NAEYC, the largest organization of early childhood educators and others dedicated to improving the quality of early education programs for children birth through age eight. Founded in 1926, NAEYC has more than 80,000 members and a national network of over 300 local, state, and regional affiliates.

For more information about the seminar or other activities during the Week of the Young Child, contact Lawrence at 817-598-6446 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .