Every year, mothers and fathers have their own days to feel loved and appreciated, but the refreshing and invigorating presence children radiate rightly earns them an entire week of celebration.  In honor of the Week of the Young Child, a fifth annual Play Day will be held at College of the Canyons on April 19.  The day will offer free, developmentally appropriate activities for children in the Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys.
“The play day is a fun and educational event that honors young children and all those who make a difference in their lives,” said Wendy Ruiz, associate director of infant/toddler programs at the college’s center for Early Childhood Education and Santa Clarita co-chair of the Southern California Valley Association for the Education of Young Children, which is sponsoring the event along with local childcare programs.

“All young children need and deserve high-quality early learning experiences that will prepare them for life,” said Ruiz.
Play Day will be highlighted by storytelling, arts and crafts, music, an obstacle course, as well as math and science activities.

The play day will be held in the Honor Grove at the College of the Canyons Valencia Campus from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  “Parents are welcome to bring a picnic lunch and participate in many activities from painting, to obstacle courses and music,” said Ruiz.

Free water bottles will be available throughout the day.

Established in 1971 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world’s largest early childhood education association, the Week of the Young Child focuses public attention on the needs of young children and their families and presents the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.

For more information, contact Ruiz at 661-362-3510 or visit the college’s website at www.canyons.edu .