NASHVILLE, Tenn.–The Week of the Young Child, April 6-13, is a series of events held to highlight the growing health, educational and social concerns faced by young children and their parents in Nashville and to facilitate an informative campaign to better the lives of the children through advocacy and education.
The week is coordinated by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and focuses public attention on the rights and needs of young children. The NAEYC is dedicated to improving the quality of early childhood education for all young children and their families.
Nashville’s Week of the Young Child is sponsored by the Nashville Area Association for the Education of Young Children (NAAEYC), Vanderbilt University, and various Nashville community organizations.
This Year’s Calendar of Events:
— Growing Healthy Children, NAAEYC Professional Development Day Saturday April 5, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3900 West End Ave.
Sponsored and planned by the NAAEYC with participation of experts on child development from Vanderbilt’s John F. Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, presentations include morning keynote address on laying the foundation of reading for preschoolers by Dr. Doug Fuchs; lunch keynote address by Dr. Ann Kaiser on nurturing young children’s communication and social skills to prevent behavior problems; and a workshop on inclusive early childhood education by Dr. Ruth Wolery, Susan Gray School director.
Displays by Adventure Science Museum, the Frist Center, Nashville Public Libraries, and the Kennedy Center, among others. Space is limited. Reservations are required. Call 383-6292.
— Exploring Nature and the Children’s Picnic Saturday April 5, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Warner Park Nature Center, Metro Parks and Recreation
Families are invited to explore nature and attend a free Open House featuring exhibits, trails, gardens, stories, arts and nature activities. The Children’s Picnic, sponsored by Friends of Warner Park as part of the Warner Park Races Weekend, will feature music, puppet shows, face painting, games and crafts for a suggested donation of $5. For information call 352-6299.
— Story time Tour Saturday April 5, 11 a.m. at Frist Center for the Visual Arts
Children ages 4-5 and their parents are invited (no reservations necessary). The Frist Center for the Visual Arts is always free for children 18 and under. Visit Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.; on Thursday, hours are extended until 8 p.m. For more information call 774-3247.
— Kick-Off Celebration with Nashville’s Mayor, Blues Performers "Nick and Bayou," and the Singing Cowboy Sunday April 6, 4-6 p.m. Free event at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Join Mayor Bill Purcell as he proclaims the Week of the Young Child and Tennessee’s First Lady Andrea Conte as she honors the NAAEYC’s Children’s Champion, followed by a rousing music concert for children by Joel Reese, the Singing Cowboy, and James Nixon and Shannon Williford from The Music City Blues Society’s Blues in the Schools program.
After the concert in the Ford Theater, explore the Museum’s fascinating exhibits. Families can register for library cards and register to vote.
Mention Week of the Young Child at the Central Parking lot on 5th Avenue and Demonbreun and receive discount parking for $3. Parking and concert seating is limited, first-come-first-serve basis. For information call 416-2096.
— Preschool Adventures in Science and Free Health Screenings Monday April 7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Adventure Science Center
Preschoolers will learn how to grow up healthy. Come see Rescue Rex and find out how to get emergency help. Visit with Buddy the Builder for dramatic play on diet and exercise. Exercise your brain in the WNPT booth. Other activities include Vanderbilt Toxicology’s booth on healthy homes, the Food Pyramid Game, Planetarium programs, and the One Beat Away music program. Activities are10 a.m.-3 p.m. with set times for shows.
Group admissions will include pre-kindergarten children only. For group rates and reservations call 862-5177. To schedule free general health screenings at this event provided by the Metro Public Health Department, call 340-0390.
— Fun at the Zoo and Free Health Screenings Tuesday April 8, Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
Young children, parents, and advocates for early childhood education are invited to visit the Nashville Zoo’s sights including Critter Encounters, the Unseen New World, and the giant Jungle Gym play area. Free admission (plus $2 parking fee) for childcare and Head Start centers only.
Reservations must be made through NAAEYC at 383-6292. For families, one child admitted free for each paying adult. To schedule free general health screenings at this event provided by the Metro Public Health Department, call 340-0390.
— Cool Costumes Teacher Workshop Tuesday April 8, 4-5:30 p.m. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
This free interactive workshop introduces teachers to Cool Costumes, a school program designed for children 5-8 years old. See the museum?s rich collection of stage costumes and examine colors, shapes, images, and styles as a context for learning about the history of country music. Listen to a country song and create a costumed puppet using design elements inspired by the song. Program includes tour of exhibits and refreshments. To register, call 416-2088.
— Passport to Understanding World Cultures; Molding Healthy Attitudes Wednesday April 9, 10-11 a.m. Nashville Public Library Auditorium, (615 Church St.)
An event supported by Vanderbilt University. Hosted by Metro Parks’ Polar Bear Mascot, children will "tour" world cultures through Asian Dancers, Native American Dancers, African Drummers, and Irish Steppers from the Global Education Center. The program is free.
Visitors to the library receive discounted rates at Church Street Parking Garage adjacent to library (entrances on 6th & 7th Avenues); have parking ticket validated in library. Seating is limited; call NAAEYC 383-6292 for reservations.
— Exploring Nature And Butterflies and Free Health Screenings Wednesday April 9, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Shelby Park, Metro Parks and Recreation
Families and child care centers are invited to a free Open House featuring hikes, gardening, stories, puppet shows, games, art and nature activities. For information or reservations call the Warner Park Nature Center at 352-6299.
To schedule free general health screenings at this event provided by the Metro Public Health Department, call 340-0390.
— Mayor’s Summit on Children & Youth Early Childhood Focus Thursday April 10, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Nashville Convention Center (lunch provided). See also Saturday April 12 Summit Event
The Summit will focus on three areas: children’s health and early intervention, kindergarten readiness, and increasing quality and availability of early care and education. The goal is to focus on the need for all Davidson County children to be healthy, ready for school, and connected to caring adults, setting the foundation for future contributions to our city?s progress.
Space is limited. For information or registration call Mayor’s Office of Children and Youth 862-6007 or download registration form www.nashville.gov/mocy.
— Business and Community Leaders Breakfast "Ensuring a Stable, Well-Educated Future Workforce: The Role of Quality Early Education" Thursday April 10, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
An event of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Stand for Children. Join business and community leaders for a Breakfast Forum to discuss the importance of early education in creating our future workforce, and the role business leaders can play to help ensure quality learning experiences for young children in their communities. For reservations call 972-0765.
— Celebrando Nuestros Niños – Celebrating Our Children and Free Health Screenings Thursday April 10, 2:30-5 p.m. Whitsitt Elementary School
A children’s fair for children and families, featuring booths on children’s development and health, as well as activities for children and families. Register for library cards and register to vote. For more information call Stand for Children, 972-0765.
To schedule free general health screenings at this event provided by the Metro Public Health Department, call 340-0390.
— The Nurturing Parent and the Nurturing Teacher: Successful Methods of Discipline at Home and in the Classroom Thursday April 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Schrader Lane Church of Christ Auditorium, 1234 Schrader Lane (off Joan A. Merritt Blvd)
Join parents, community members, and early childhood educators as they discuss alternative methods of discipline for young children at home and in the classroom. For information call 862-7950 ext. 221.
— Third Annual Policymaker’s Discussion on Children’s Health Friday April 11, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3900 West End Ave.
For two years policymakers statewide have come together to share information and focus on children’s health issues. The agenda will include discussions of the state of children’s health in Tennessee, coordination of child health outreach and care, best practices, new initiatives, and ongoing work.
Registration deadline is Monday, March 31. For information or registration, call Amy Jackson at 1-800-280-8682 or 227-7500, or see www.thcc2.org/policymakers/index.html.
— Bear in the Blue House Live, "A First Time for Everything" Friday April 11, 7 p.m.; Sunday April 13, 1 p.m. Tennessee Performing Arts Center
In honor of the Week of the Young Child, Vee Entertainment is offering a special discount. Receive $3 off the individual price of up to four tickets for performances on Friday, April 11 at 7 p.m. or Sunday, April 13 at 1 p.m. when you use the ticket code NYOUNG at TPAC’s downtown or Davis-Kidd Box Offices, over the phone at 255-ARTS, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. This offer cannot be combined with any other discounts.
— Child Safety Day, sponsored by Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital Saturday April 12, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Walker Chevrolet (in Franklin); 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Toys R Us (Rivergate area).
Come have your child seat checked by Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital is dedicated to raising awareness in Middle Tennessee on the importance of the correct use on child passenger restraints. Our goal is to educate parents and caregivers on the proper selection, use, and installation of child safety seats. We have partnered with Toys R Us and Walker Chevrolet to provide child seat safety checks. For information, call 936-0301.
— Strategies for Better Parenting Saturday April 12, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Glen Leven Presbyterian Church, 3906 Franklin Pike
A program of Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, Vanderbilt Child Care Center, and the Vanderbilt School of Nursing. This conference will offer ideas for sharpening parenting skills, including behavior management techniques. Voter registration on site. Reservations for conference and free childcare are required; call 936-0301
— The Metropolitan Action Commission Child Care Providers’ Training Saturday April 12, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Nashville Convention Center (lunch provided)
This free conference will cover parent involvement, children’s health, literacy, classroom models, nutrition, children with disabilities, and teacher mentoring. All sessions include make-and-take activities. For information and registration call 862-8860, ext. 103, fax 862-8871, or see www.nashville.gov/mac.
— Storytime Tour Saturday April 12, 11 a.m. Frist Center for the Visual Arts
Children ages 4?5 and their parents are invited (no reservations necessary). The Frist Center for the Visual Arts is always free for children 18 and under. Visit Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.; on Thursday, hours are extended until 8 p.m. For information call 744-3247.
— Kids Make Music – Family Workshop Saturday April 12, 1-1:45 p.m., 2:15-3 p.m. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Have fun making music as a family. A music educator will lead families in a variety of music related activities focused on sound and movement. Families sing, dance, and play instruments together, while children learn about music. For children ages 4 1/2 -7 years old and an accompanying adult. Admission $5 per child; accompanying adults free. Space is limited. To register, call 416-2096.
For more information on Week of the Young Child call NAAEYC at 383-6292 or www.naaeyc.org. Visit the Week of the Young Child site at www.vanderbilt.edu/kennedy.woyc.