Celebrate “Month of the Young Child” at the 2011 San José Children’s Faire

Booth Application Deadline is April 4

SAN JOSE, Calif.—San José Children’s Faire, to be held 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 16th, is expected to draw over 5,000 attendees to Discovery Meadow (in front of the Children’s Discovery Museum) in downtown San José. “Play Together, Learn Together: Growing with Giggles and Grins” is the theme for this year’s annual event, which features family-oriented stage entertainment, special attractions, and activity booths offering hands-on activities for children, ages two to 12, in addition to information for families about education, child care, health and safety resources, and recreational programs.

The Faire, now in its 23^rd year, is a free, one-day, outdoor festival designed to link parents and caregivers of young children with community organizations that serve their needs and is the highlight of the City of San José’s “Month of the Young Child” celebration. Booth applications are currently being accepted through April 4 from local non-profits, community organizations, local government agencies and businesses that provide programs and services for families with young children. No sales, other than food and beverages at designated food booths, are permitted at the Faire. Call Early Care and Education Services at (408) 808-2617 to request an application. Faire sponsorship opportunities are also available.

The “Month of the Young Child” is the local extension of the national “Week of the Young Child” celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. It was established in 1971 in recognition that early childhood experiences (birth to age 8) lay the foundation for success in school and later life. Local observance is a collaborative effort on the part of:

• San José Public Library
• City of San José Early Care and Education Commission
• Santa Clara County Office of Education
• California Preschool Instructional Network (CPIN)
• Local Early Education Planning Council
• CA Assembly Member Jim Beall’s Office
• Center for  Employment Training (CET)
• Children’s Discovery Museum
• Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
• Penninsula Association for the Education of Young Children (PAEYC)
• San Jose Unified School District
• SJB Child Development Centers
• St. Elizabeth’s Day Home
• Teachable Moments Family Child Care

San José City Council proclaims April 2011 as “Month of the Young Child” in the City of San José, encouraging both individuals and organizations to support this observance.

Additional activities marking San José Public Library’s celebration of the “Month of the Young Child” include:

• City Council recognition of this year’s recipients of the “Outstanding Contributors to Child Care” Awards at a casual reception held in San José City Hall Council Chambers..
• Children’s art displays, providing insight into the imagination and development of young children at the Children’s Faire.
• More activities at selected library branches may be located by visiting the library’s Events page at www.sjpl.org/calendar and selecting “Month of the Young Child” as the event type.

For more information, visit www.sjpl.org/moyc or call (408) 808-2617.

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