In recognition of the Week of the Young Child, Heather Wiederstein, Learning Ally V.P. of Solutions reflects on the role of education organizations in partnership with schools, families and communities to support all children in successful journeys in school and in life. 

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Week of the Young Child. This celebration, sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), is meant to focus the public’s attention on the needs of young children and their families. At Learning Ally, we know that providing for those needs whether academic, social, emotional, or physical and mental wellbeing, requires organizations, providers, and schools to help to create a foundation of lifelong success. In fact, we take it personally. It is our mission, our job —all of our jobs—to care for and provide for the needs of all children, recognizing the special developmental factors or circumstances in those early years (before age 8). 

Learning Ally is committed to partnering with schools and families and the communities in which they live, to do our part in serving the needs of, and therefore, shaping the future opportunities of young learners. The past year has created a more pressing need among schools, families, and children with fewer resources in many cases.  We’d love to have you join us in this mission.  

Here are some ways you can participate this week:

• Read to a child

• Sign up for one of our free webinars

• Create art with a child

• Donate to our Building Books campaign 

• Learn more about child development at www.NAEYC.org

• Donate to a local food bank

Thank you for joining us and for taking a moment now to reflect and to reinforce our actions on behalf of all students.

About Learning Ally 

Learning Ally is a leading nonprofit education solutions organization dedicated to equipping educators with proven solutions that help new and struggling learners reach their potential. Our range of literacy-focused offerings for students Pre-K to 12th grade and catalog of professional learning allow us to support more than 200,000 educators across the U.S. The Learning Ally Audiobook Solution is our cornerstone award-winning reading accommodation used in more than 18,500 schools to help students with reading deficits succeed.