Week of the Young Child
Effective Date: Sunday, April 22nd, 2012
WHEREAS, children are our most precious resource. The future of our state depends on the quality early childhood experiences provided to young children today; and
WHEREAS, the earliest years are the most important in a child’s life in shaping their learning and development; and
WHEREAS, in order to best serve our children, we must demonstrate a commitment to their future by eliminating violence and abuse from their homes and by unifying our families, educational institutions, and communities to teach our children important values and instill in them a love of learning; and
WHEREAS, parents have the responsibility and critical opportunity to engage their children, working to nurture their well-being and develop their social skills and cognitive abilities, while expressing their voice in the quality of their children’s education; and
WHEREAS, families, mentors, teachers, administrators, local organizations, and many others who provide their time and efforts to make a difference in the lives of Alaska’s children deserve our thanks and recognition; and
WHEREAS, Week of the Young Child is a time to recognize that a child’s opportunities are our responsibilities, and to recommit ourselves to ensuring that each and every child experiences the type of early environment – at home, at child care, at school, and in the community – that will promote their early learning and success.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sean Parnell, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby proclaim April 22-28, 2012 as:
Week of the Young Child
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to value the young children in their lives and communities and to recognize and support their needs, ensuring a bright future for Alaska.
Dated: April 10, 2012
