History

The AECEO initiated the Week of the Child in 1980 following the International Year of the Child. It was conceived as a time for communities to celebrate and focus on the young children of Ontario and to educate the public about the values of quality Early Childhood Education.

Objectives

The Week of the Child is a time within our communities across Ontario to:

* reflect on the rights and the needs of our children
* renew our commitment to improve the quality of opportunities for all children and their families
* review how well we care for and educate the future adults, parents and leaders of Ontario

Goals

The Week of the Child aims to:

* bring together educators and share the latest information regarding the education and care of children
* create and heighten awareness of children
* provide exciting activities and events for children to participate in during the Week, which are both educational and fun
* encourage schools, companies and organizations to work for a common goal - children
* provide information that will involve people in discussing the needs of children
* improve home-school-community cooperation
* educate and enlist the help of the community in fulfilling their responsibilities to children
* inform the community of the variety and the quality of child care services that are available
* stimulate the coordination of existing services and to work towards improving the quality of programs
* focus attention on legislation related to children at the Local, Provincial and Federal levels

Events

Events carried out across the province to celebrate Week of the Child include:

* workshops and seminars
* displays in public areas
* concerts
* poster contests
* Fun Days for families
* open houses at schools, child care centres
* picnics
* parades
* proclamations

Children's Service Awards

Each year during the Week of the Child, the AECEO recognizes and honours two individuals who have made significant contributions toward young people with the presentation of the prestigious Children's Service Award.

FUTURE DATES

2010 Week of the Child:
Saturday, October 16 - Sunday, October 24

2011 Week of the Child:
Saturday, October 15 - Sunday, October 23