Stephen F. Austin State University

Whether they were painting, singing, parading or picnicking -- students at the Stephen F. Austin State University Early Childhood Lab were having fun this week celebrating the "Week of the Young Child."

April 22-28 was set aside to recognize the needs of young children and to thank educators and others involved in building better future for children. Week of the Young Child is celebrated across the country by hundreds of local organizations.

"Early learning experiences are crucial to the growth and development of young children," Early Childhood Lab director Lori Harkness said. "Week of the Young Child helps to involve the community in promoting issues that affect young children and their families."

Special events were planned each day, Harkness said. "Art Day" was Monday, providing children an opportunity to pain outdoors on different types of materials. Tuesday was "Music Day," when special guest Marion Upshaw played the banjo, ukulele, guitar and harmonica. On Wednesday, children "celebrated with laughter" by wearing silly hats. Thursday was "Build-A-Book" day, and parents were invited to help their children create their own unique stories. The week wrapped up with a parade and picnic on Friday.

"It was fun for everyone," Harkness said. A family fun day was organized by the Early Childhood Organization and planned for Saturday, with hot dogs, sno cones, games and other activities for families and children.

The SFA Early Childhood Lab is an affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the largest organization of early childhood educators and others dedicated to improving the quality of early education programs for children birth through age 8. Founded in 1926, NAEYC has nearly 100,000 members and a national network of more than 300 local, state and regional affiliates.