Released: April 12, 2024
Delaware County Council Member Christine Reuther was excited to visit the young students at the Rose Tree Early Learning Center in Media on April 11 as part of ‘The Week of the Young Child,’ an annual celebration created to bring public attention on the needs of young children and their families, to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs, and the critical role early childhood educators play in a child’s development and learning.
With its nearly 60,000 members and a network of 51 Affiliates, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) sponsors ‘The Week of the Young Child’ each year with an understanding that early childhood years (birth through age 8) lay the critical foundation for children's success in school and later life.
Across the country, schools, pre-schools, and educational centers host book readings, music workshops, dance performances, interactive story times, and other fun events to highlight the importance of learning.
During her visit to the school, Council Member Reuther read "The Rainforest Grew All Around" to the students in Ms. Debby and Miss Kayla’s Pre-K class, who had transformed their classroom into a mini rainforest, with greenery and crafted materials made to mimic the dense, vibrant world of the rainforest.
The story, written by Susan K. Mitchell, explores this lush environment through cumulative, engaging verse and vivid illustrations. The book educates children on the diverse ecosystem and the interconnectedness of plants, animals, and insects living in the rainforest, fostering an early appreciation and curiosity for environmental science and conservation—a great example of how reading and learning can stimulate imagination and inspire a deeper connection with the natural world.
For more information about the National Association for the Education of Young Children, visit their website at www.naeyc.org .