Governor Proclaims Month of the Young Child and Week of the Young Child 2024

MONTH OF THE YOUNG CHILD

AND

WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD

2024

BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

A PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, the most rapid brain development occurs during the first years of a child’s life and lays the foundation for all future learning; and

WHEREAS, more investment is needed to provide for the healthy development, well-being, and early learning for all young children across our state; and

WHEREAS, high-quality early childhood education builds the foundation for achievement; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina has a constitutional duty to ensure all children have the opportunity to receive a sound, basic education and expanding access to early childhood education and quality childcare is a critical component in providing that; and

WHEREAS, access to high-quality early childhood education and childcare is essential for parents to work and for businesses to hire for the jobs they need to fill, providing for families to be more financially secure and enhancing their well-being, as well as strengthening our communities and the economy; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina values its critical early childhood workforce; young children and families depend on well-trained early childhood teachers who provide young children with the care and early learning experiences they need for a strong foundation; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina recognizes and celebrates the people, organizations, and programs across the state committed to a shared vision of healthy young children who are, safe, nurtured, and ready to succeed;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim April, 2024, as “MONTH OF THE YOUNG CHILD” and April 6 – 12, 2024, as “WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.

________________________________________

Roy Cooper

Governor

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this fifth day of April in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-four and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.