COUNTY — Pickens County First Steps, United Way of Pickens County and Safe Kids Upstate are asking Pickens County to come together for children during the Week of the Young Child, set for April 6-12.

As part of the national Week of the Young Child celebrated across the country, Pickens County is honoring young children and all those who make a difference in children’s lives.

“All young children need and deserve high-quality early learning experiences that will prepare them for life, and Pickens County has a great opportunity to do our part to help young children,” said Amity Buckner with Pickens County First Steps. “Week of the Young Child is a time for the County to recognize that early years are learning years for all young children.”

Two upcoming free and open to the public picnic in the park events will be held in April to celebrate the week. The first event will be held at Jaycee Park in Clemson on April 9 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 pm.

The second event will be held at the Red Owens Park picnic shelter in Easley on April 10 from 11 a.m.-1 pm.

Musician Terry Welton will perform at Jaycee Park. Information on child development will be available at both events, as well as giveaways of bubbles and other early childhood play related supplies. SafeKids Upstate will provide information regarding car seat safety at both events.

The Week of the Young Child, sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), is an opportunity for early childhood programs across the country, including child care and Head Start programs, preschools, and elementary schools, to hold activities to bring awareness to the needs of young children.

Young children and their families depend on high-quality education and care, which help children get a great start and bring lasting benefits to Pickens County. Week of the Young Child is a time to recognize the importance of early learning and early literacy, and to celebrate the teachers and policies that bring early childhood education to young children.

Pickens County First Steps, United Way of Pickens County and Safe Kids Upstate are working together to improve professional practice and working conditions in early childhood education, and to build public support for high-quality early childhood education programs.