Proclaiming the week beginning Sunday, April 6, 2003 as "Week of the Young Child."

WHEREAS, The future of our City depends on the foundation we create today for our youngest citizens; and

WHEREAS, Children's emotional, behavioral and intellectual development is directly correlated with positive youth development programs and practices; and

WHEREAS, It is known that quality child care and after-school programs in particular, ultimately contribute to children's successes later in life; and

WHEREAS, There is a necessity to develop a stronger public consciousness on the needs of our young people and their caregivers; and

WHEREAS, In an effort to create a greater awareness of the needs of children and families, the National Association for the Education of Young Children has sponsored the “Week of the Young Child” since 1971; and

WHEREAS, Though there have been many advances for our youth since the inception of the Week of The Young Child much more needs to be done; and

WHEREAS, As an example of the needs still out there, research reveals that 46 percent of kindergarten teachers say half of their students lack proper academic skills; and

WHEREAS, Child Care Matters, Philadelphia Safe and Sound, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania and Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition, in conjunction with the National Association for the Education of Young Children are celebrating “Week of the Young Child”; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we do hereby proclaim the week beginning Sunday, April 6, 2003 as the “Week of the Young Child” in Philadelphia and urge all citizens to recognize and support the needs of young children in our City.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of Child Care Matters as an expression of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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