The “Week of the Young Child” is a national event aimed at promoting early childhood education, a cause that has gained increasing attention in New Mexico. The event provides fun and educational activities designed to support children’s development in areas such as social, emotional, cognitive, and physical health.
Charnielle Desiderio, program supervisor for the Early Childhood Program Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services at the Department of Diné Education, emphasized the event’s importance. “It’s about providing activities that support children’s overall growth and well-being,” she explained.
The event is celebrated in various places across New Mexico, including schools, daycare centers, Head Start programs, and libraries. For instance, Albuquerque is joining in the celebration, and the Navajo Nation is hosting its own public event.
This marks the fifth year the Navajo Nation has participated in the five-day celebration, which includes themed activities for each day.
Desiderio highlighted some special features of the event. “We invite youth performers to showcase traditional songs and dances. Our current Miss Navajo Nation will also present on the cultural significance of corn,” she said.
The overall goal of the Week of the Young Child is to raise awareness about the importance of early education for future success. Desiderio explained, “The event helps bring attention to the needs of young children and their families, while also acknowledging the early childhood programs that serve them.”
In addition to this, the event aims to engage families in the learning process. “It’s about helping families realize that we all play an active role in our children’s development,” Desiderio added.
The celebration has gained traction over the years. Originally centered around the tribal capital of Window Rock, the event has expanded into smaller communities across the Navajo Nation and even into nearby border towns.
“It started in the Window Rock area but has since spread to other communities across the Navajo Nation, as well as some of the neighboring towns,” Desiderio said.
This growing involvement reflects the event’s increasing impact in raising awareness about the importance of early childhood education.
