Week of the Young Child 2026

Published on April 13, 2026

WHEREAS, all of Arizona's children deserve access to quality early care and education (ECE) environments; and

WHEREAS, quality child care programs build children's lifelong learning skills during the critical years from birth to age five; and

WHEREAS, ECE teachers and child care providers are the essential workforce that helps Arizona parents get to work or school; and

WHEREAS, funding quality child care is a smart investment that improves family well-being, strengthens communities, and grows our state's prosperity; and

WHEREAS, First Things First, Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children, Southern Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children, and other community organizations, in conjunction with the National Association for the Education of Young Children, are celebrating the 55^th anniversary of the Week of the Young Child; and

WHEREAS, these organizations are working to improve equitable early childhood opportunities that provide a strong start for children in Oro Valley.

WHEREAS, public policies that support ECE for Arizona's youngest learners help our families, communities, and the economy thrive.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Joseph C. Winfield, Mayor of the Town of Oro Valley, do hereby proclaim the week of April 11^th — 17^th, 2026 as the

WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD

in the Town of Oro Valley and encourage all citizens to support and invest in early care and education in our community.

Dated this 8th day of April, 2026

Week of the Young Child Proclamation PDF