The Pinal County Board of Supervisors has greenlit a proclamation declaring the first week of April as "Week of the Young Child" to highlight the importance of early childhood development. The decision made public at the Board's Wednesday meeting, comes as a response to advocacy work by local childhood education proponents from First Things First, a group dedicated to nurturing equitable access to early childhood resources.
The proclamation, which earmarks April 5-11, 2025, for this special observation, was presented by First Things First representatives Jessica Morehead, Annette Lopez, and Katrina Devinny. The trio stressed the critical need to focus on the burgeoning minds and spirits of young citizens, something that resonates deeply with the values Pinal County espouses. Morehead, Lopez, and Devinny were also recognized in a photo session with the Board of Supervisors, ostensibly to commemorate their dedication to the cause.
With the program set to unfold in a matter of weeks, the Pinal Early Childhood Coalition has been tasked with organizing numerous related events throughout Pinal County. As part of this initiative parents, caregivers, and educators alike, are urged to engage in the week's activities, designed to champion the educational and developmental needs of young children.
Details of the upcoming events can be found on a flyer linked on the Pinal County Government's website.
