Sean Donahue, M.D.
“Celebrate Children — The Rhythm of Our Future!” is the title of this year's Week of the Young Child in honor of Music City. The seven-day event is a series of programs and events held in locations all over the city to help parents and those involved in the lives of children become more knowledgeable about the needs of young children and ways to ensure their success in the future. The week also focuses attention on the rights and needs of young children.
The event is coordinated by the Nashville Area Association for the Education of Young Children (NAAEYC), and is sponsored by the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Vanderbilt University, the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and other state and community organizations.
This year's events begin with the Safe Kids Symposium 2005 at the Downtown Nashville Library on April 2. Mayor Bill Purcell will officially kick off the series at a celebration on Sunday, April 3, at TPAC.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Safe Kids Symposium 2005
Saturday April 2
9:30 a.m.-12:30 pm. at Downtown Public Library Conference Center
The Safe Kids Symposium is a free event to all child care providers in Middle Tennessee. It will feature training on motor vehicle safety, fire safety, drowning, unintentional firearm injury, as well as hand-washing, and environment and playground safety. Sponsors are NAAEYC, Mayor’s Office of Children and Youth, and Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. For information call 322-8076.
Kick-Off Celebration
Sunday April 3
2 p.m. in TPAC James K. Polk Theater Lobby
Join Mayor Bill Purcell and friends of the Nashville Area Association for Young Children (NAEYC) at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center for the Week of the Young Child Kick Off Celebration. Mayor Purcell proclaims the official start of the Week of the Young Child and announces the 2005 NAAEYC Children's Champion Award. For information call 383-6292.
Bank of America TPAC Presents Series
Dan Zanes & Friends
Sunday April 3
12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m at TPAC James K. Polk Theater
A Benefit for Bright Horizons Foundation for Children
Bring the whole family to celebrate the kick-off with Dan Zanes and Friends! Dan’s exuberant music creates a community concern part with children and parents singing and dancing along to his irresistible original tunes and red-discovered folk favorites. All proceeds go to the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children to help create Bright Spaces, play and learning areas for children living in shelters. Performance tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12. Tickets are available through all Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone at 255-ARTS or at www.tpac.org.
“Everyone’s Gone to the Zoo”
Monday April 4
10 a.m. Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
3777 Nolensville Road
Pack a picnic and spend the day at the Nashville Zoo. Enjoy the animal show in the amphitheater at 11 a.m., and visit the animals throughout the Zoo. For free tickets, call 322-8076; tickets are limited.
Exploring Nature and April Showers
Monday April 4
10-11:30 a.m. at Shelby Park Community Center, S. 20th & Shelby St.
Tuesday April 5
10-11:30 a.m. at Looby Community Center, 2301 Metro Center Boulevard
Families and child care centers are invited to a free Open House featuring April Showers (and May Flowers) nature programs. Join us for hikes, stories, puppet shows, gardening, music, art, and dance. For group reservations and more information call 352-6299.
Preschool Day at Adventure Science Center
Monday April 4
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
800 Fort Negley Blvd.
Adventure Science Center is for everyone, which is why it is once again offering Preschool Day. Groups can tour the Adventure Tower, book a Preschool program, and see a Planetarium show. The day is reserved for preschool-age groups (public visitors are the exception). Call 862-5177 for information and reservations. Free for NAAEYC members; otherwise, group rates apply.
Helping Children Love Reading
Tuesday April 5
10:30 a.m. at Bordeaux Library, 4000 Clarksville Pike
Thursday April 7
10 a.m. at Edmondson Pike Library, 5501 Edmondson Pike
The Vanderbilt Kennedy Reading Clinic is partnering with Metro Public Library on a free helpful session for parents, teachers, and caregivers on how to foster a love of reading in preschool children. Children will attend a Library Storytime for Preschool Children while adults attend their program. For information and reservations for Bordeaux call 862-5856; for Edmondson Pike call 880-3957.
Community Leaders Forum on Early Childhood Planning
Presentation by Author Robin Karr-Morse
Tuesday April 5
11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital First Tennessee Children’s Theatre
Community Leaders Forum on Early Childhood Planning
Presentation by Author Robin Karr-Morse
Tuesday April 5
11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital First Tennessee Children’s Theatre
Robin Karr-Morse is co-author of Ghosts from the Nursery: Tracing the Roots of Violence, which presents startling evidence on how abuse and neglect during the first two years of life is creating a tide of violent youth. Sponsored by Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and the Child and Family Policy Center of Vanderbilt Institute for Public Policy Studies, this forum is designed for community leaders and policy makers. By invitation only; persons interested in attending may call 936-4040.
Cool Costumes Teacher Workshop
Wednesday April 6
2-3:30 p.m. followed by Museum tour
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
222 Fifth Avenue S.
This workshop introduces teachers to Cool Costumes, a school program designed for children 5-8 years. Examine colors, shapes, images, and styles of specific stage costumes as a context for learning about the history of country music. Listen to a country song and create a costumed puppet using design elements inspired by the song. After the free workshop, teachers may take a self-guided tour of the Museum. To register, call 416-2088 or email kjones@countrymusichalloffame.com.
Celebrando Nuestros Niños
Celebrating Our Children
Also Free Health Screenings
Thursday April 7
2:30-5 p.m.
Whitsitt Elementary School, 110 Whitsett Road
A spring fair for children and families, featuring booths on children's development and health, as well as activities for children and families. Register for library cards and register to vote. For more information call Hispanic Family Services 760-2769. Sponsors: Catholic Charities of Tennessee, Metro Public Health Department, Prevent Blindness of Tennessee, Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee, Tennessee Early Intervention System, Tennessee Infant Parent Services School, Tennessee Voices For Children, and You Have The Power.
Celebrando Nuestros Niños y exámenes de salud gratis
El dia jueves, 7 de Abril
Desde las 2:30 p.m. hasta las 5 p.m.
En la Escuela Elementaria Whitsitt
Esta es una feria primaveral para niños y padres, tendremos información sobre el desarrollo y salud infantil. Así mismo actividades para niños y adultos. Podrá registrarse para votar y para obtener la tarjeta de la biblioteca. Para mas información comuníquese con la officina de servicios para los Hispanos al # 760-2769.
What's New and Improved in Discipline
Madelyn Swift, Author
Thursday April 7
6-8 p.m. at Woodmont Hills Church, 3710 Franklin Road
This NAAEYC free training event is for all educators and parents! Madelyn Swift, nationally acclaimed author, speaker, and authority on discipline, family dynamics, and personal communication, will be our guest speaker. For information call 383-6292.
Workshop on Switch and Adaptive Toys
Thursday April 7
6:30-8 p.m. at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
Corner of 21st Ave. S. & Edgehill on Magnolia Circle
Having age-appropriate toys that motivate children to play, learn, and explore their environment is important for all children, but especially so for children with vision or other developmental problems. This hands-on workshop for parents and teachers is sponsored by Friends of Tennessee Infant Parent Services School (TIPS), in collaboration with the Technology Access Center. A variety of toys will be demonstrated, and participants will learn how to adapt toys. Space is limited. Free child care is available. To register for the free workshop call 741-5002.
Passport to Understanding World Cultures
Friday April 8
10-11 a.m. at Ford Theater
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Free entertainment will include xxxx from the Global Education Center. Seating is limited; call 383-6292 for reservations.
Art Quest
Saturday April 9
11 a.m. at Frist Center for the Visual Arts, 919 Broadway
Free with adult gallery admission
Bring your family to the Frist Center for an exploration of ArtQuest, the Center's interactive gallery. Create a whirligig in response to the art of American Anthem: Masterworks from the American Folk Art Museum or explore any one of the 30 ArtStations. For information call 416-2096.
The Metropolitan Action Commission Borderless Classroom Early Childhood Educators Workshop
Saturday April 9
9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at location to be announced
This workshop will provide preschool educators with a wealth of information on health and nutrition, parent involvement, classroom activities and teaching approaches, and other information. It is approved by the Tennessee Department of Human Services for acceptable training hours. For information call the Events Hotline 862-8860, Ext 200. Free but registration is required.
Family Fun & Fitness Day
Saturday April 9
Noon-4 p.m.
Centennial Sportsplex, 222 25th Ave. N. (Next to Centennial Park)
Free family activities include ice skating, swimming and water safety with demonstrations, introductory lessons, door prizes, and games. Max the Polar Bear will join the fun. Come and take this great opportunity to explore one of Metro Parks’ premier recreation facilities. For information call 862-8480.
Musical Petting Zoo Family Program
Saturday April 9
1-2:30 p.m.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
222 Fifth Avenue S.
Strum a banjo or bow a fiddle! Instructors are on-site to introduce budding musicians to new and familiar instruments. We’ll have violins, acoustic and electric guitars, banjos, dulcimers, and more! For all ages. Free. For information, call 416-2017 or email ehansen@countrymusichalloffame.com.