WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina is nationally recognized for its early childcare and education system and is committed to ensuring access to high quality early childhood education opportunities and health services; and
WHEREAS, public policies that support early learning for all young children are crucial to the prosperity of our society and building a strong North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Week of the Young Child, a noteworthy milestone in our continued commitment to early care and education of young children and their families; and
WHEREAS, the Week of the Young Child recognizes the important role of the State in ensuring quality standards and access for all families to crucial education and health services; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education works to collaborate with organizations to promote and inspire high quality early childhood experiences that can provide a foundation for learning and success; and
WHEREAS, teachers and others who work with or on behalf of children, birth through age eight, make a lasting impact on the lives of the young people of North Carolina and deserve thanks and recognition; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children, as well as North Carolina’s Early Childhood Advisory Council, Education Cabinet, Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education, Department of Public Instruction, and Partnership for Children, join together in recognizing and supporting the people, organizations, and programs committed to providing high quality early childhood education and services to the families of our state;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim April, 2021, as “MONTH OF THE YOUNG CHILD” and April 10 – 16, as “WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.