Rasmussen College Partners With The National Association For The Education Of Young Children (NAEYC) To Bring Awareness To The Benefits Of Early Childhood Education

MINNEAPOLIS (April 3, 2014)–Healthy children and families contribute to the well-being of our communities. To bring awareness to the benefits of early childhood education (ECE), Rasmussen College, a regionally accredited private college, is partnering with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) to celebrate Week of the Young Child, April 6-12, 2014. The purpose of the week, now in its 43^rd year, is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. The College’s theme for this year’s Week of the Young Child is Investing in Young Children Benefits All.

“Rasmussen College believes in the power of education, and we know quality early education gives children a strong start in life and results in stronger communities,” said Kristi Waite, Rasmussen College president. “According to one study, 80 percent of children who attend preschool graduate from high school compared to 60 percent of those who did not. This sets off a chain reaction of events across kids’ lives. In that same study, children who received early education also significantly increased their earning power as adults. Our goal is to help raise awareness of this critical learning period to ensure all children have the opportunity to be successful.”

To help educate the community about the benefits of ECE, as well as celebrate the work being done to educate and promote the healthy development of children, Rasmussen College is hosting a series of events and activities across its 24 Midwest and Florida campuses and online. Activities include crafts, health screenings and book readings with the College’s School of Education faculty and students. This year’s featured book is One by Kathryn Otoshi which teaches children how to accept each other’s differences and how it sometimes only takes one voice to make everyone count.

“As a public benefit corporation, Rasmussen College is committed to making the communities in which we serve a better place to live, grow and learn,” said Waite. “We know young children are the future of our communities, and we’re excited to celebrate with them and their families. We also hope by bringing attention to the benefits of early childhood education more children will have access to quality early education so they can get a strong start in life.”

Rasmussen College offers an Early Childhood Education Associate’s Degree and Certificate. The College also offers an Early Childhood Education Leadership Bachelor’s Degree for those interested in becoming a leader in an ECE program. That program is available fully online.

For more information about the Rasmussen College School of Education, visit http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/education/early-childhood-education/.

For a complete list of Week of the Young Child events and activities at a location in your area, visit http://www.rasmussen.edu/student-life/events/woyc/.