SMC Supervisors and Ed Leaders Recognize Week of the Young Child

Redwood City - Today is the last day in the Week of the Young Child, a time to honor educators and those who make a difference in young children’s lives. This year marks the 50th anniversary of this celebration, established in 1971 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) to focus attention on the needs of young children and their families.

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and San Mateo County Board of Education both approved resolutions last week recognizing the Week of the Young Child. Their proclamations underscore the importance of this vital human infrastructure as well as the service of early childhood providers, many of whom have remained open throughout the pandemic.

The COVID19 Child Care Response Team has created a special “Child Care Hero” decal celebrating early learning professionals. This group, a coalition of local partners in San Mateo County, has provided resources and information to child care providers since March 2020. They also oversaw local funding initiatives, including the Child Care Relief Fund and Learning Hubs Expansion Fund, administrated by Response Team member Community Equity Collaborative and championed by Supervisors Dave Pine and Carole Groom and seeded with CARES Act funds allocated by San Mateo County.

“This week, we recognize and honor our child care workforce for their sacrifice and service,” said Michelle Blakely, Deputy Director of First 5 San Mateo County,“

“Our teachers really are heroes,” said Angel Barrios, Executive Director of Izzi (formerly IHSD), a Head Start provider serving nearly 800 under-resourced children. “We hope these decals will demonstrate our sincere appreciation and also increase awareness on the importance of the work that they do out of their passion for children and education.”

“The Week of the Young Child provides an opportunity for all of us to renew our commitment to ensuring that all young children and their families have access to high quality childcare, said Supervisor Dave Pine. “These investments can mitigate the effects of poverty, eliminate the school readiness gap and lead to positive outcomes for all children.”

Sarah Kinahan, Child Care Partnership Council Coordinator, echoed this sentiment, stating that we must “focus attention on the importance of early learning, inspire policymakers and leaders to place young children at the forefront of public policy and education initiatives, and highlight the early learning programs and services that help children succeed in school and in life.”