Today is the start of the 2013 Week of the Young Child. This is a national celebration to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that work to meet these needs.

The early childhood years (birth through age 8), lay the foundation for children’s success in school and in later life. This upcoming week of activities is a time to plan how we, as residents of our communities, states and nation, will better satisfy the needs of all young children and their families.

Strengthening families is this year’s focus, as this is the cornerstone of promoting optimal child development. Five factors we encourage in supporting the health of a family are:

Parental resilience: The ability for parents to manage and bounce back from the challenges that emerge in every family’s life.

Social connection: Friends, family, neighbors and community provide emotional support, help solve problems, offer advice and give assistance to parents.

Concrete support in times of need: Meeting the basic needs of food, shelter, clothing and health care are essential for families to thrive.

Knowledge of parenting and child development: Accurate information about child development and appropriate expectations for children’s behavior at every age helps parents see their children in a positive light.

Social and emotional competence of children: Children’s ability to interact positively with others, self-regulate their behavior and effectively communicate their feelings has a positive effect on all their relationships. Early identification and assistance of challenging behaviors or delayed development can head off negative results.

Our local Southwest District for the Education of Young Children sponsors the events for families in La Plata County and all communities will be taking part.

In Durango, there will be story hours, children’s yoga, a puppet show, an appreciation event for early-childhood workers, free days at Durango Discovery Museum and the Clay Room, play groups and an Earth Day celebration at the Family Center, and the Kid’s Fair.

Bayfield will have a tumbling program called “Jammin’ Juniors,” “Fun with Science” and “Baby Signs” events, story times and other Bayfield Family Center and Pine River Library happenings. Contact them for more information.

Ignacio celebrated early with events the week of April 8, which included a children’s concert, a “gals and kids” breakfast, a gardening activity and Ignacio Library events.

So come on out, bring some young children and be aware of family needs in our communities. Become more knowledgeable about policies and programs that support families and children here. And, have some fun! See you at the free Kid’s Fair from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Durango Public Library!

Martha McClellan has been an early care child educator, director and administrator for 36 years. She currently has an early childhood consulting business, supporting child care centers and families. Reach her at mmm@bresnan.net.