BRATTLEBORO — Building Bright Futures and the Early Childhood Educators' Network of Southeastern Vermont, along with Windham Child Care Association, will celebrate Month of the Young Child in April.
Month of the Young Child is an extension of the National Association for the Education of Young Children's annual Week of the Young Child. It is a time to honor young hildren from birth to age eight, and the families, teachers and other adults who are working to help improve opportunities for young children.
Month of the Young Child celebrations around the country promote high-quality child care, preschool and other early education opportunities for young children, and honor the teachers, administrators and others who work to improve those programs. It is a time to remember that if we want our children to succeed, we need to support the programs that give them a great start.
The month-long celebration will kick-off with the Young Children's Art Exhibit on Gallery Walk night, Friday, April 1, from 5-7 p.m. at the River Garden. Free refreshments, activities, entertainment and resources for families will be provided.
The month continues with music performances, free classes, book-readings by children's authors, a free day at KidsPLAYce and much more [see full listing of events below]. For more information about Month of the Young Child, contact Sarah DiNicola at Windham Child Care Association at 802-254-5332.
Calendar of events
• Young Children's Art Exhibit: Friday, April 1, River Garden, Main Street, Brattleboro. Children and families will enjoy experiencing the work of our community's youngest artists at the Seventh Annual Young Children's Art Exhibit. Early childhood educators will be displaying their students' artistic creations. Fun, hands-on activities, face painting, refreshments, and information on resources and services for young children and their families will be available. The exhibit will be on display for the month of April.
• Parent/Tot Circus Class: Saturday, April 2, 1 -2 p.m., New England Center for Circus Arts, Cotton Mill Hill, Brattleboro. Come with your child age 2-4 yrs old and celebrate “World Circus Day.” Let the kids hang, roll, twist & twirl on our low trapezes, aerial fabrics and balancing pipes in a safe, comfortable environment. Each child must be accompanied by an adult. If that adult is not their parent/guardian, visit their web site and complete a waiver in advance. Space is limited , sign up in advance by calling 802-254-9780.
• Lady Bug Tea Party: Hosted by Brattleboro Food Co-op. Wednesday, April 6, 9:30-11:30 a.m., All Souls Church, West Brattleboro. Come with your favorite stuffed animal to join the tea party. Children (under age 6) and an accompanying adult are invited to stop by at any time. There will be a story time, some snacks and juice, and a chance to visit with the lady bugs and other tea party friends. Call Heather or Meredith at 802-254-3267 for questions.
• Music for Little Ones: Rhythm, Rhyme, and Movement with Stephen Coronella. Saturday, April 9, 11 a.m. Putney Library Children's Room, Main Street, Putney. A combination of songs, stories and games performed with guitar, flutes, and hand drums for children ages newborn through age six.
• Parent/Tot Open Gym: Monday, April 11, and Thursday, April 14, 10-11:45 a.m., Gibson-Aiken Center gymnasium, Brattleboro. For children age 5 and under with their parents or child care providers. Call the Brattleboro Recreation and Parks Department at 802-254-5808.
• Book reading by local author/illustrator John Steven Gurney: Wednesday, April 13, 10:30 a.m., Brooks Memorial Library, Brattleboro. Author and illustrator of Dinosaur Train and illustrator of over 100 books for children will read some of his own works as well as other stories to delight youngsters of all ages. A fun illustration demonstration will follow.
• Steve Leichach drumming: Saturday, April 16, 10:30 a.m. Timson Hill Preschool, Williamsville. Drumming and making music with children of all ages. For more information, call 802-348-6319.
• Music classes with Lauren Thrift: Monday, April 18, 9 -10 a.m. (2-4 year olds), and 10:30-11:30 a.m. (5-6 year olds), New England Youth Theatre, Brattleboro. Wiggle Worms (2-4 year olds) Children learn through play. Bring your special adult and come laugh, jump, sing, and dance your way into your musical imagination. Practice caring, sharing, creativity, and teamwork skills and prepare for a lifetime appreciating the arts as you associate music and dance with smiles.
Music Without Borders (5-6 year olds) reaches across borders with fun activities in music and dance from cultures around the world. Students will also explore their creativity while discovering instruments from everyday items and they will even analyze the science of sound. Through this class, students will practice building teamwork and leadership skills, improving their self-esteem, and sharing their voice through music and dance.
Space is limited; pre-registration is required. Call 802-254-5332, ext. 313, to sign-up.
• Book reading by local author Eileen Christelow: Wednesday, April 20, 1030 a.m., Brooks Memorial Library, Brattleboro. Christelow will draw pictures and read her newest book, Desperate Dog Writes Again.
• Free day at KidsPLAYce: Friday, April 22, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Elliot Street, Brattleboro. This downtown indoor play/activity center will open its doors with free admission for the day. Discounts on memberships will also be available. For more information, call 802-254-5212.
• Super Bike and Fun Day: Friday, April 22, Living Memorial Park, Brattleboro. Children bring their bikes for a fun morning of bike activities including a Bike Rodeo. Children must have a helmet to participate. Brattleboro Police will provide safety information. The first 100 children will receive a free bike helmet courtesy of the Kiwanis Club. Call 802-254-5808 for more information.
• Children's Story Exhibit: Ongoing, Brooks Memorial Library, Brattleboro. Come see the imaginative stories that our youngest students have created. These illustrated stories, told by children in local early education programs, will be on display in the Children's Room for the month of April.