A resolution proclaiming the week of April 17th through April 24th as Week of the Young Child for 2004.

WHEREAS, Week of the Young Child (WOYC) is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and its affiliates; and

WHEREAS, Organizations throughout Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County in conjunction with the Nashville Area Association for the Education of Young Children are celebrating the Week of the Young Child April 17 through 24; and

WHEREAS, the theme for the 2004 Week of the Young Child is “Children’s Opportunities-Our Responsibilities”; and

WHEREAS, The first Week of the Young Child was held in 1971 recognizing that the early childhood years, birth through 8 years, lay the foundation for children’s success in school and later life. This week is a time to focus on the needs of young children and families and to plan how we, as citizens of our community, will meet those needs; and

WHEREAS, The purpose of the Week of the Young Child is to focus public attention on the early childhood programs and services that support children and families; and

WHEREAS, the Week of the Young Child is a time to recommit ourselves to ensuring that each and every child receives the type of early care at home, in early childhood education programs, in schools, and in the community necessary to promote early learning and healthy development; and

WHEREAS, to engage all citizens to commit to promoting the well-being of children and their families, and protecting every child from harm while making the early years count as the very best learning years of all children; and

WHEREAS, the children of our community are our responsibility the Metropolitan Council joins forces with the Nashville Area Association for the Education of Young Children, Vanderbilt University, Metro Action Commission, and other community organizations throughout Nashville, Tennessee, and America to celebrate the Week of the Young Child; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes the importance of high quality early childhood programs and services to our children’s future.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as proclaiming the week of April 17th through April 24th as Week of the Young Child for 2004.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented to the Nashville Area Association for the Education of Young Children, on behalf of their work with the Week of the Young Child.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.