Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford signed a proclamation Wednesday morning declaring the week of April 18-22 the Week of the Young Child in Troy.

“The Week of the Young Child is celebrated each April and is sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children,” said Octavia Jones, Troy Head Start director. “The purpose of the week is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to support the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.”

Jones said the Week of the Young Child is time of recommitment to young children.

“We must recommit ourselves to ensure that every child enjoys the type childhood that lays the best possible foundation for the future,” she said.

The weeklong celebration began on Monday when the children wore their favorite hat and joined the parade around the neighborhood. On Tuesday, the children enjoyed stories read to them by guest readers and again on Wednesday along with the visit by the mayor.

“We liked the mayor to ride the tricycle,” the children said, laughing.

Today will be Fun Day and the children will participate in a variety of outdoor games and activities. Friday will be Grandparents’ Day and something special is planned for the “grands” but that’s being kept a secret.

“Head Start is a comprehensive educational program and we believe that a child has to be healthy to learn,” Jones said. “The physical, nutritional and emotional needs of children must be met and we strive to provide an environment what supplies these needs and, therefore, an opportunity to learn and grow.”

Jones expressed appreciation to Lunsford and the Troy City Council for their continuing support of the Head Start program.

“The City of Troy has always been behind us and we appreciate all they do for the young children of Troy,” Jones said.

Troy Head Start has 107 children, ages three through five, enrolled. Head Start is an income eligible program and students are admitted through an enrollment process that includes an onsite application.

For more information about the Troy Head Start program, call 566-6959.