Tribune editorial staff

As citizens of the county, state and nation, children's opportunities are our responsibilities. As we observe this year's Week of the Young Child this week, we need to keep that in mind.

"Children's Opportunities … Our Responsibilities" is the theme of this year's Week of the Young Child, a time to recommit ourselves to ensuring that each and every child experiences the type of early environment - at home, at child care, at school and in the community - that will promote their early learning. It is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world's largest early childhood education association, with more than 100,000 members and a network of nearly 450 local, state and regional affiliates.

NAEYC first established the Week of the Young Child in 1971, recognizing that the early childhood years (birth through age 8) lay the foundation for children's success in school and later life. The Week of the Young Child is a time to plan how we will better meet the needs of all young children.

The purpose of the Week of the Young Child 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 those needs. The Lawrence County Early Childhood Center in South Point is sponsoring two events this week to create awareness to the importance of child development.

The center will host an open house

from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday. The event will feature a petting zoo, door prizes, games for children and more activities. From 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Lawrence County Week of the Young Child Committee is hosting a pancake breakfast on from 8:30 to 11 Saturday at the Lawrence County Early Childhood Center, 1749 County Road 1, South Point. Proceeds will go toward the purchase of sensory equipment for children age birth to 5.

We encourage everyone - those with or without children - to support these events. After all, children are our most precious resources.