DE SCR23

Designates April 10-16, 2021, as "Week of the Young Child" in Delaware to commemorate the 50th anniversary of this annual celebration established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in 1971.

Recognizes that early childhood years from birth through age 8 lay the foundation for children's success in school and later life, with the first years being a period of rapid brain development.

Acknowledges that high-quality early childhood education programs provide benefits to children, families, and state and national economies, including helping ameliorate poverty effects, detect delays, and prevent child neglect.

Recognizes the valuable work of early childhood educators and calls on the community to support increased access to high-quality early childhood education that includes skilled educators earning family-sustaining wages with workplace benefits.

Urges robust support for early childhood education systems including strong regulatory structures, subsidies and tax credits for families, and adequate high-quality child care spaces beginning at birth.