Copyright © 2006 NLThomas
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SALINA, OKLAHOMA – The Cherokee Nation Early Childhood Unit will celebrate the “Week of the Young Child” for the northern Head Start and Early Head Start programs on Thursday, April 6, at Chouteau Memorial Park in Salina.

“Week of the Young Child” is an annual celebration held each April and is sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the nation’s largest organization of early childhood professionals. The purpose of the event is to focus public awareness on the needs of young children and their families and to support the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.

Established in 1971, the “Week of the Young Child” recognized that the early childhood years lay the foundation for children’s success in school and later life. This year’s theme is “Nursery Rhymes.”

A parade will begin at 10 a.m., beginning in front of the Salina Public School administrative offices and will end at the park. Cherokee Nation Tribal Councilor Johnny Keener and Mother Goose will serve as the parade marshals. After the parade, there will be activities for the children at the park provided by community helpers and volunteers until noon.

For more information, contact Lynn Davis, phone: 918-458-4393.

Related Cherokee Nation contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org