El día de los niños/El día de los libros, or Children’s Day/Book Day, is a nationwide annual celebration of children, families and reading which emphasizes the importance of literacy for all children from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Hundreds of libraries, schools and communities throughout the country will host celebrations and programs that honor multiculturalism and stress the importance of books and literacy.

“Since 1925, Día del Niño, or the Day of the Child, has grown as an annual celebration throughout Mexico. This day recognizes children, pays homage to their importance in society, and endorses their well being. Pat Mora, a Texas native and nationally recognized author of children’s books, first heard of this Mexican tradition during a 1996 interview for a public radio program.”

Source: http://www.texasdia.org/Toolkit/History.pdf

Through lots of hard work and grass root support for a celebration linking language and literature, Día became an officially recognized event on April 30, 1997. This year Día will celebrate it’s 15th anniversary!

Join in the fun and check out these great local events:

Oakland Public Library - Elmhurst Branch

April 23rd, 2:30pm - 5pm

San Francisco Main Library

April 24th, 1pm - 4pm

San Leandro Main Library

April 30th, 11:00am - 1:30pm

Oakland Public Library - Cesar Chavez Branch

April 30th, 12pm -4pm

Oakland Public Library - Martin Luther King Jr. Branch

April 30th, 1pm - 2:30pm

Carmen Flores Recreation Center, Oakland

May 7th, 12pm - 3pm

To learn more about Pat Mora, the event’s core mission, or other celebration ideas visit www.patmora.com

Click here to download the 2011 Día book list.

April 10–16, 2011, is the Week of the Young Child, an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

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.

NAEYC first established the Week of the Young Child in 1971, recognizing that the early childhood years (birth through age eight) 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 – as citizens of a community, of a state, and of a nation – will better meet the needs of all young children and their families.

source: http://www.naeyc.org/woyc/faq

Visit the NAEYC website for Key Facts About Children and Families.

During Week of the Young Child, Raising A Reader staff will be at:

Jumpstart for a Day
Thursday, April 14, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
San Francisco Civic Center Plaza
Selected preschool children and teacher’s will experience various hands-on learning stations, inspired by a popular children’s book.

Week of the Young Child Celebration and Resource Fair
Friday, April 15, 9:00am – 3:30pm
Children’s Fairyland, Oakland
Parents and families can learn about safety and wellness at this celebration and resource fair.
Please NOTE: This event is for Oakland Head Start parents only.

To learn about additional activities, check out the calendar of events for 2011 Week of the Young Child, assembled by the Children’s Council of San Francisco.

For more information about Early Care and Education in San Francisco and Alameda Counties visit:

• The Department of Children, Youth & Their Families - San Francisco
• First 5 Alameda County