SOUTH POINT – A good gust of wind helped kick off the "Week of the Young Child" celebration at the Lawrence County Early Childhood Center.

Tuesday, April 03, 2001

SOUTH POINT – A good gust of wind helped kick off the "Week of the Young Child" celebration at the Lawrence County Early Childhood Center.

A balloon launch Monday morning started the event with children, parents and staff members launching balloons into the April skies.

Center director Linda Sechrist said the intent of the week-long celebration is to "bring attention to early childhood programs and the importance of learning and early childhood development."

She said the week "lets the community be aware of the programs offered." The theme of this year’s event is "Early Childhood: Where our Future Begins."

In addition to the balloon launch, children and parents were treated to a puppet show and a performance by violinist Jill Dean. Story-telling and an open house have also been slated for the week.

The open-house will be held from 10 a.m. until noon on Thursday. Sechrist said the event will have a "carnival" atmosphere, with activities for children and their parents. She added the program will help bring parents together with the many resources the center has available.