(Moline, IL)  "The U in Community - An Education Fair On Ways U Can Be Part of the Solution" is being held on April 8th at the Moline Viking Club.  The Early Childhood Coalition has partnered with a number of other local agencies to offer the event for parents, family members, and concerned citizens to learn more about ways that their voices can be used to make a difference in the state.

There will be tables of information focusing on the impact of possible budget cuts and a variety of ways individuals can advocate for the services that impact them, their families, and their communities.

This event is not early childhood specific, but is concentrating on the impact cuts across education and human services will have on all of our community.   This event is scheduled for April 8th from 4:00-7:00pm at the Moline Viking Club.

Available for interviews are organizers, parents who are worried about education cuts and spokespeople for human services agencies.  The free fair is sponsored by the Early Childhood Coalition of the Illinois Quad Cities.

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Milan, IL to Celebrate National Week of the Young Child

April 9, 2009 - Just Kids Early Care & Education Centers is asking Milan, IL to come together for children and families during the Week of the Young Child (April 19-25, 2009). As part of this special week celebrated across the country, Milan is honoring young children and collaborating to find new ways to make a difference in children's lives.

"All young children require and deserve high-quality early learning experiences that will prepare them for life. Milan has a great opportunity to contribute to this need," said Vera Hinrichsen, Executive Director of Just Kids. "Week of the Young Child is a great time to bring Milan together to discuss how we can give all young children a positive start."

Just Kids and the Village Trustees will discuss how Milan can take further steps to meet the needs of its youngest citizens. This presentation is open to the public and will be held before the Village Board Meeting on Monday, April 20 at 5pm at the Milan Village Hall, 405 East First Street, Milan.  Just Kids teachers (and students) will be on hand to answer questions. In addition, Mayor Duane Dawson will also proclaim April 19-25, 2009 as "The Week of the Young Child in Milan" to encourage all citizens to work to make a good investment in young lives. All those interested in providing more opportunities for young children are encouraged to attend.

Just Kids, which has been providing services in Milan for over 30 years, has over 45 early childhood professionals working together to educate young children, build public support for high-quality programs, improve professional practice and support area families.

Week of the Young Child is a nation-wide event sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) - the largest organization of early childhood educators and others dedicated to improving the quality of early education programs for children birth through age eight. Founded in 1926, NAEYC has more than 80,000 members and a national network of over 300 local, state, and regional affiliates. Just Kids is NAEYC accredited program.

For more information on Just Kids Early Care & Education Centers and NAEYC, please visit www.justkidsinc.org.

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