A full slate of activities is scheduled this week as the Lawrence County Early Childhood Center celebrates

its "Week of the Young Child."

While the national observance of "Week of the Young Child" was last week, the ECC opted to have its festivities this week.

"It is important to us, as adults in this community, to honor our responsibilities to children," said Sue A. Vanderhoof, director of early childhood programs for the Lawrence County Board of Mental Retardation/Development Disabilities. "This includes providing children with a safe, loving environment in which to live and learn."

The week-long celebration began Monday with a balloon launch. This evening, ECC families are invited to take part in a "Family Fun Night" from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

On Wednesday, ECC children will take part in a parade and volunteers will be honored at a luncheon.

The early childhood center staff will have an open house from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Thursday. The Ironton

High School Step Team and the Ironton High School Singers will perform.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Friday, ECC families will gather at Lake Vesuvius for activities.