April is a month when a great deal of focus is given to children. Prevention of child abuse is emphasized all month and The Week of the Young Child appropriately lands in the middle (April 14-20). This is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Its purpose is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet their needs. The theme for this year's celebration is "Early Years Are Learning Years."

In Sisters, observance took place with the kindergarten roundup which was held on April 19, and the community dinner on April 22. Both of these events emphasized the importance of family connections, celebrating kids and the importance of the early years.

Parents in the Sisters area now have two new ways to obtain information on events, resources and policies that affect their children. The newly developed state website, http://oregonearlylearning.com has many interesting links that will inform parents on important happenings in our state. One of these is the statewide kindergarten assessment that will be administered for the first time when students arrive at school in September.

A page especially designed for parents emphasizes their role as a child's first teacher and the important role they have in their child's development and growth. Recognizing how hard it is to know what information to follow, the page has been developed as a one-stop resource for parents with tips, resources, and guidance. There are interactive features that allow parents to ask questions, start conversations, and connect with the accompanying social media. There is information on how to develop literacy skills, how understanding infant brain development can help sleep-deprived parents cope, and much more.

The other opportunity is also brand new. Soon, Sisters parents will be able to access information about what is happening locally by going to http://sisters

earlychildhoodresource.com. Here they will find links to pre-schools, agencies, events, parenting information and activities that will help them take advantage of the truth of "early years are learning years." It is hoped that this website will link everyone providing services from birth to 8 years old. Those wishing to be included are encouraged to contact [email protected]

The creation of these two websites is part of the increasing emphasis on the importance of the first years of a child's life. Research shows that, the more parents know about the development of their young children and the more aware they are of how early experiences (good and bad) impact that development, the better chance each child will have to succeed in their later years.