Many exciting things happened this week at Paladin’s Imagination Station during its annual Week of the Young Child, a fun-filled week celebrating and raising awareness for all things early childhood education. On Friday, April 14, Paladin rounded out its celebrations with Family Friday. As kids, families, and even some special guests had a fantastic time playing all kinds of board games together, they demonstrated what early childhood education is all about: a brighter future.
Each year, early childhood education centers all across the country celebrate Week of the Young Child to help educate their communities on the importance of early childhood education. They plan special events, create fun activities, and invite community members to come and see firsthand the impact of early childhood education.
“Early education is important when it comes to developmental means, when it comes to behavioral means, when it comes to everything really. We want to make sure that people know that we are here to intervene early,” said Renee Nagel, Imagination Station’s pedagogista and assistant director.
This week, Paladin had tons of fun activities planned for its kids. Each day of the week had a unique theme to help demonstrate the different ways early childhood education is beneficial to children’s development.
On Music Monday, the Michigan City Chamber Music Festival came out and played all kinds of tunes to get the kids grooving. On Tasty Tuesday, Social Que BBQ brought delicious tacos for the kids to try and then helped the kids make their own parfaits. On Work Together Wednesday, the kids got their hands dirty with some family gardening. On Artsy Thursday, the Lubeznik Center for the Arts came and did some fun arts and crafts with the kids.
Last but not least, Week of the Young Child wrapped up with Family Friday, a day where kids and their families got to do many fun things together like play board games, read books, build puzzles, and so much more. The day’s events demonstrated how early childhood education centers push kids to develop without the constant stream of technology many kids are exposed to nowadays.
“Electronics are a blessing for so many things, but oftentimes kids are surrounded by technology all day long. Here, we want to get them back to the basics, get back to the natural environment, and get back to playing outside. Our goal is to help them develop long-term thinking skills,” said Nagel.
The day also demonstrated the emphasis early childhood education puts not just on children’s growth but on families as a whole. At Imagination Station, it’s important for the parents to learn just as much as the kids.
“We really want to educate not only the kids but their families as well. We try our best to have as many opportunities as possible to bring in the families and have them work side-by-side with their child and their education. Families have to be able to advocate for their child, and we want to help them get more comfortable with that and show them how to better advocate for their child’s future,” said Nagel.
What really made Family Friday special was the visit of some very special guests. A Michigan City police officer came and played with the kids on the playground while Michigan City Mayor Duane Parry stopped by to read a book or two to the kids.
“I’ve been wanting to come read to the kids for some time, and today seemed like the perfect day. I got so excited seeing the kids–it was so much fun. I can’t wait to come back,” said Parry.
Coming to Imagination Station for Week of the Young Child allowed Parry to see for himself how critical early childhood education is in the development of young minds. He left knowing that early childhood education is not only good for the future of our communities but our world as a whole.
“I’m very impressed with everything they’re doing here at Imagination Station. America is changing–the days of single-income families are gone. Entities like Imagination Station and Headstart are really helpful because they allow parents to earn for their families while knowing their kids are in a place that will help them grow. Early childhood education is vital to the future of the country,” said Parry.
It’s easy to say that Paladin’s Week of the Young Child was a huge success. Not only did the kids have a wonderful time and get to do many fun things but the community also got a better understanding of what makes early childhood education so special. People are sure to be counting down the days until next year’s celebration.
Special guests at this event also included: Michigan City Police Assistant Chief Marty Corley, State Senator Mike Bohacek, LaPorte County Sheriff Captain Andy Hynek, and Senior Pastor Williams from New Hope Missionary Baptist.
To learn more about Paladin and its wonderful programs, visit paladin.care.