Local events are planned for Thursday and Saturday as the National Week of the Young Child continues.
The United Way of Central Missouri Early Childhood Advisory Council and organizations nationwide are recognizing more than 35 million young children during the event. The week has been celebrated in Jefferson City for about 10 years, said Amber Brondel, communications manager for the United Way of Central Missouri.
"The whole week is a celebration of our youngest learners," Brondel said. "Many of the activities are designed to help children gain motor skills."
The Southwest Early Childhood Center, 812 St. Mary's Blvd. in Jefferson City, will host a field day 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday. During the event, child care providers will take children to the center for tricycle races, a bouncy obstacle course, parachute play and more outside play incorporating motor skills.
A Young Child Carnival at Jefferson City's Memorial Park is scheduled 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday. The carnival is open to any children ages 5 and younger.
The Parents as Teachers program will provide hands-on stations during the carnival, giving children a variety of activities in which they can get involved. Parents as Teachers is a parent education and support program designed to help young children learn, grow and develop their full potential, according to Jefferson City Public Schools.
Scholastic will provide educational books for the carnival.
Children will be able to play in a bounce house, receive a face-painting, make Fruit Loop bracelets, and build paper bag puppets and sticky-paper collages.
In case of rain, Saturday's event will take place in the Knowles YMCA gym, 424 Stadium Blvd.