By Tonya S. Crawford

Salisbury Rowan Community Action Agency

SALISBURY — The Salisbury-Rowan Community Action Agency celebrated the “Week of the Young Child” this year.

The week is sponsored annually by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a professional membership organization that promotes high-quality early learning for children through age 8 by connecting early childhood practice, policy and research.

During the Week of the Young Child, Mayor Babara Mallet of East Spencer read to several Head Start classes in East Spencer.

“We enjoy doing this every year with the Head Start class,” said Mallet.

The children were visited by three firemen, Lt. David Scott, Capt. Jeffrey Mumm and firefighter Matthew Hildebrandt.

Hildebrandt read to one of the Head Start classes.

The attention given to Head Start children and the role that the community plays in their development is important in achieving success, according to Head Start.

“It is important that we invest time and efforts in the education of our future leaders,” said Tabitha McAllister, director of Head Start.

During the Week of the Young Child, activities are planned for every day of the week. Many Head Start organizations celebrate by having outdoor fun and games, singing and dancing, book reads, sharing family stories, problem-solving, and other innovative activities to engage the children.

Parents are invited to take part in the week’s activities.

Head Start is a national program that promotes school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to children and their families. The agency serves Rowan, Davidson, Stanly, Montgomery and Moore counties with 21 Head Start or Early Head Start centers.

Tonya S. Crawford is director of administration, planning and communications at the Salisbury-Rowan Community Action Agency.