This is the celebration of the Week of the Young Child.  About 16,000 youngsters in Hamilton County are served by pre-school programs.

“Our organization was created to empower and ignite conversations in advocacy of our youngest learners,” says Dr. Jody Britten, founder of the Early Learning Alliance Network. “Since our start in 2017, we have worked to understand, build awareness, and develop a strong network of professionals to support our youngest learners, their educators, and their families throughout the community and are continuing our efforts throughout 2022.” 

The Week of the Young Child is centered on focusing public attention on the needs of young children and their families, and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.

According to Dr. Britten, pre-schools are facing the same challenges as other organizations in providing staffing, supplies and all else that it takes to run an early education program.

The week is composed of several events, including

• Tasty Tuesday
• Work Together Wednesday
• Artsy Thursday
• Family Friday

Governor Eric Holcomb signed the official proclamation for the state of Indiana and ELAN has asked local elected officials to acknowledge the event as well.