Young students from the University of Central Florida’s Creative School for Children paraded from their classrooms to the Reflecting Pond on Monday morning to kick off the school’s celebration of The Week of the Young Child.

The purpose of the week is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families, and to recognize early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.

The Week of the Young Child is sponsored annually by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, an association of early childhood professionals.

The theme for this year’s week is “Early Years Are Learning Years.” Creative School students will be taught about international cultures, art, health and wellness, and literacy as part of the week’s activities.

UCF’s Creative School for Children is an early education school on the university’s main campus for the children of UCF students, faculty, staff and the community.

The school encourages children to become lifelong learners by giving them opportunities to reach their highest potentials, while providing them with meaningful experiences that help them develop critical thinking and communication skills.

In 2011, the school received accreditation from NAEYC for its quality, accountability and service for parents and children in child care programs. NAEYC’s accreditation standards reflect the latest research and best practices in early childhood education and development.

Learn more about UCF’s Creative School for Children.