This week Lawrence County’s youngest residents were celebrated through a variety of special events in recognition of Week of the Young Child.

Established in 1971, Week of the Young Child is aimed at bringing the public’s attention to the needs of our communities youngest, as well as their families, and to call attention to the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.

Locally, the Lawrence County Early Childhood Academy has 11 sites dedicated to the care and education of children from infant to 5 years old.

Those children were treated this week to special visits from police and fire personnel, as well as made crafts, played games, had picnic lunches and ice cream.

Even though they may not know even realize it yet, the young children in these programs are Lawrence County’s future. They could grow up to be the doctors who heal the community, the attorneys who seek justice for the community or the innovators who create ways to make the community a better place.

As a community, we should do everything we can to support the efforts of the educators charged with teaching these young citizens.

After all, the earliest years of child’s life are the most important when shaping their learning and development.