Alvin M. Keeling 
By Susan Shinn Turner
Smart Start Rowan
Every year Smart Start Rowan organizes Young Child Week, five days of events focusing on children up to 5 years old.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer Early Childhood Week activities and events in person this year! says Amy Brown, Executive Director of Smart Start Rowan. “This is a very special week for us and the children and families we serve, so being together in person makes it even more special.”
The Week of the Young Child promotes the needs of young children and their families and recognizes early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. It is sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the largest early childhood education association in the world.
In Rowan County, the week kicked off Saturday with story time at the South Main Book Store with owner Alissa Redmond.
Upcoming events this week include:
Music Monday – 10 a.m., Smart Start Rowan Playroom, 1329 Jake Alexander Blvd., South – Ermalyn Jack, parent educator, will lead a music class. Participants will make their own instruments and enjoy music and dancing.
Tasty Tuesday – 10 a.m., Kaleidoscope Play and Learn Group, Life Church, 708 Jake Alexander Blvd., West – Ermalyn Jack will teach a healthy cooking class at the Kaleidoscope Play and Learn Group.
Work Together Wednesday – 10 a.m., Kaleidoscope Play and Learning Group, Christ United Methodist Church, 3401 Mooresville Road – Members of the Salisbury Police Department will join the Kaleidoscope Play and Learning Group to teach safety tips to families.
artistic thursday – 11 a.m., Educational Center, Dan Nicholas Park – There will be a story hour and an art hour centered on the book “Mañana Iguana”. Kids can create their own iguana art project, explore the nature center, and learn about reptiles. Take home an iguana puppet and a copy of the book, while supplies last.
Representatives from the North Carolina Zoo will also be on hand and will have an exhibit of fossils and other interesting things to look at from the zoo.
Smart Start Rowan is hosting an open house from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and families can come and visit the facilities and learn more about our services. There will be a photo area where families can take pictures.
family friday — 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Smart Start Rowan — The open house continues, families are invited to stop in for a visit and receive information about Smart Start Rowan’s services. There will be an arts and crafts space in the conference room where families can create an art project together, as well as a photo space where families can take pictures. Visitors can also view the artwork of children participating in Partners in Learning.
For more information on Young Child Week, call Smart Start Rowan at 704-630-9085
