The College of the Canyons Early Child Education (ECE) department took part in the nationwide “Week Of The Young Child” by hosting a play day for families to enjoy a day of outdoor activities for the Santa Clarita Community.

The ECE department invited Santa Clarita residents to the COC Valencia campus on April 14 to see what child care resources and activities are available for families in the community.

From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., children and parents were able to run, jump, build and explore the various booths set up on the Honor Grove at COC.

Wendy Ruiz, ECE faculty and chairperson for the Week Of the Young Child at COC, described the importance of facilitating this event for Santa Clarita families.

“Week Of The Young Child is a national event that honors children and those who support children,” said Ruiz. “I think it’s important for families to see the value of play and how easy it can be to play with children without it costing a lot of money.”

The free day of play was dedicated to ECE advocate Bev Bos, who is known for promoting play-based preschool programs in the United States.

This special celebration recognizes early learning, young children, their families, educators and individuals who work with children and advocate for early childhood.

The Center for Early Childhood, students and faculty all pitched in time and energy to plan this event sponsored by COC ECE Department.

Shaina Jove, ECE student at COC, volunteered at the event and spoke about the need to host these events for the community.

“It’s just a huge event for the community where people can come out and just play,” said Jove. “I think it encourages parents to come and explore their different options. There’s such a diversity in the community of what is offered. Children are going to play no matter what, but for the parents, it offers them a fantastic resource.”

The Week of the Young Child Play Day was brought to Santa Clarita residents by the Southern California Valley Committee, College of the Canyons and the Center for Early Child Education at COC.

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