Month of the Young Child

Dubuque County Early Childhood (DCEC) celebrates Month of the Young Child in April of each year. Through the celebration, DCEC recognizes the importance of supporting quality early childhood experiences and the contributions of those who care for young children. Here are some of DCEC’s efforts to commemorate Month of the Young Child:

• Publicize city and county proclamations and media coverage throughout Dubuque County.
• Conduct freehand drawing contest with family theme. Children age zero to five are invited to use entry forms to draw a picture of their family. DCEC does a drawing for prizes in five age categories. Drawings may go on display at community events.
• Hold a book drive through local businesses. Local businesses are invited to donate new books to distribute to children in child care. As many as six businesses have participated in past events donating up to 1,000 books. Bags of donated books are distributed to child care centers and homes.
• Share a love of reading on Provider Appreciation Day in May. Host reading sessions at child care centers and at home provider locations. Guest readers – including board members, legislators, and community partners – visit with children in classrooms and read children’s books out loud. The reading sessions kick off the distribution of books donated through the book drive.

For more information or to get involved with Month of the Young Child activities, contact DCEC at (563) 588-1620.