Week of the Young Child is Bringing Together Family Fun & Resources
During the past year parents, early childhood professionals, and community leaders alike have faced many challenges, but have steadily continued to nurture and support young children in our community.
Week of the Young Child 2022 will be a space to pause and thank you for your hard work and dedication to our youngest community members. With this in mind, the theme for this year's Week of the Young Child will be "Lifting Up and Holding Strong." Check out the great events on the calendar below!
Saturday, April 2
ROLL AND READ
Come down and visit multiple story stations with professionals such as a medical professional, fire fighter, and mascots. Children can enjoy visiting the stations, hearing the stories and then also checking out the fire truck.
Time: 1:00 PM TO 3:00 PM
Where: McCormick Park in Missoula (600 Cregg Ln.)
Bring your strollers and comfy shoes to join Missoula's first ever Roll and Read for 0-5 year olds! Families are welcome to stroll from one station to the next to hear stories about how we are "Stronger Together" read by fire fighters, a compost collector, a nurse, a kangaroo... even Pete the Cat! After hearing stories you can check out the fire and compost trucks and have a snack..
For more information contact Anna via email.
Sunday, April 3
LISTENING SESSION: CHILD CARE PROVIDER & FAMILY PARTNERSHIPS
Raise Montana will be hosting a listening session of a panel of child care providers and parents to discuss family engagement and a partnership within child care. ECP Credit Available!
Time: 6:00 PM TO 8:00 PM
Where: Via Zoom
For more information contact Suzy at (406) 396-9091 or via email.
Monday, April 4
Music Monday
Kiddos can celebrate Week of the Young Child with some music, movement and dancing. We will be making our own intstruments!
Time: 10 AM - 1 PM
Where: Families First Learning Lab on the Second Floor of the new Missoula Public Library. 455 E Main St.
For more information contact Katie Little at (406) 396-4060 or email.
Early Childhood Champion Celebration!
Join Healthy Start Missoula to virtually celebrate the Early Childhood Champions in Missoula County!
Time: Noon to 12:30 PM
Where: Via Zoom
Each year Healthy Start Missoula solicits nominations for Early Childhood Champions - the amazing early childhood professionals and volunteers who go above and beyond to support families with young children. A small committee selects each year's award winners. Join us on Zoom to find out who this year's champions are and learn more about them!
For more information contact Anna Semple at email.
Tuesday, April 5
Tasty Tuesday - Bread Making & Decorating
Cooking time! Create a delicious treat out of bread dough. Kids will also get a free apron to decorate and use in the kitchen at home. Aprons available until they run out.
Time: 10 AM - 1 PM
Where: Families First Learning Lab on the Second Floor of the new Missoula Public Library. 455 E Main St.
For more information contact Katie Little at (406) 396-4060 or email.
Level Up Your Leadership: Trauma 101 Introduction
Expand your knowledge around the importance of becoming trauma-informed and responsive in your daily interactions.
Time: 5:30 - 7 PM
Where: Missoula Food Bank and Community Center
For more information contact the Parenting Place (406) 728-KIDS.
Wednesday, April 6
MISSOULA COUNTY KEA RESULTS
A webinar to disseminate the Missoula County Kindergarten Entry Assessment results.
Time: Noon to 1:00 PM
Where: Via Zoom - registration required!
Are children in Missoula County ready for kindergarten? And what really makes a difference? Zero to Five Missoula County has gathered information about 700 incoming kindergarten children and their families, to reveal the factors of early life experiences that are most strongly linked to being ready for school, both socially and academically. Join them to learn more about the results and how we as a community can use this information to make sure all kids can thrive.
For more information contact Grace Decker at (406) 830-0870 or via email.
Blue Block Fun!
Come build with our giant blue blocks! In the Families First classroom on the second floor of the Missoula Public Library.
Time: 10 AM - 5 PM
Where: Families First Learning Lab on the Second Floor of the new Missoula Public Library. 455 E Main St.
For more information contact Katie Little at (406) 396-4060 or email.
Thursday, April 7
Artsy Thursday - Shaving Cream Painting
Time to get messy, create some art, and have some fun!
Time: 10 AM - 1 PM
Where: Families First Learning Lab on the Second Floor of the new Missoula Public Library. 455 E Main St.
For more information contact Katie Little at (406) 396-4060 or email.
HEAD START ENROLLMENT AND OPEN HOUSE
Visit Head Start and discover what Head Start offers as well as schedule an enrollment application. Children receive a take home activity bag.
Time: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Date: Thursday, April 7, 2022
Where: Head Start Main Building in Missoula
Now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 School Year! Discover what Head Start Offers! They will have a table sut up outside, in front of their main building. This is a wonderful change to schedule an enrollment application and get any questions answered about their Head Start Program. Children will receive a take home activity bag.
For more information contact Stephanie Biegel at (406) 728-5460 or via email.
LIFTS IN MISSOULA COUNTY
Come learn about LIFTS Online Resource Guide.
Time: Noon to 1:30 PM
Date: Thursday, April 7, 2022
Where: Zoom
Participants will be asked for feedback on the tool and how it can be improved to best serve Missoula County.
For more information contact Stephanie Morton at (406) 370-2504or via email.
SAFE KIDS MISSOULA WATER SAFETY WORKGROUP MEETING
Join Safe Kids Missoula and their Water Safety Workgroup Members to find out about Safe Kids Missoula, lifejacket loaner program, what the Water Safety Workgroup partners are doing to help promote water safety and prevent open and closed water drownings.
Time: 1:00 PM
Date: Thursday, April 7, 2022
Where: Via Zoom
For more information contact Kevi Berger at (406) 926-2522 or via email.
Friends of the Children Open House
Get to know more about Friends of the Children and our exciting programming starting up this spring!
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Date: Thursday, April 7, 2022
Where: Friends of the Children, 1649 W. Central.
For more information contact Stacy at (406) 543-0690 or via email.
Friday, April 8
Family Friday Fun!
We will be celebrating families with fun activities and a family art project!
Time: 10 AM - 1 PM
Where: Families First Learning Lab on the Second Floor of the new Missoula Public Library. 455 E Main St.
For more information contact Katie Little at (406) 396-4060 or email.
Nurturing Trauma-Informed Child Care Programs
A panel of child care providers who have completed the Linking Systems of Care training will share their thoughts and reflections about becoming trauma-informed child care programs.
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Date: Thursday, April 7, 2022
Where: Zoom
For more information contact Suzy at (406) 396-9091 or via email.
