PEDRO — As the green dots got smaller and smaller, children waved goodbye to their balloons, trying to catch one last glimpse with their imaginary binoculars.

Rock Hill preschoolers and their teachers kicked off Week of the Young Child with the balloon launch Monday, with school administrators and board members looking on at the future students of the district.

“We are proud of what you do here at school,” said Fred Evans, principal.

Week of the Young Child is dedicated to reminding the public how important early education is to the future of any community.

“Anything we can do to further a young child’s education is vital in today’s time,” Evans said. “The kickoff is a way to get the kids excited about learning.”

It may have been the adrenaline still pumping from the balloon launch, but the preschoolers in Sheila Kidd’s class were excited to get back in the classroom and sing songs.

“A lot of people don’t realize education can start before kindergarten,” Kidd said.

Kidd is one of two early intervention specialists at Rock Hill. She said by the time they are ready to enter kindergarten, children who go attend preschool can count, know basic shapes, colors and can print their names.

Children also learn social skills, how to wash their hands, how to get in a line and how to raise their hands in class. Hands-on work also helps strengthen the children’s muscles for writing.

Wes Hairston, superintendent of Rock Hill Schools, said the district’s approach to celebrating its youngest students and making sure they get a quality education is vital.

At one time, Rock Hill had seven preschool classes. The district only has two now, but Hairston said he hopes to see that number rise in the future.

To finish out Week of the Young Child, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office will make visits with McGruff the Crime Dog and Splish Splash. The children will also have a trike-a-thon on Friday to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.