With nearly 23 percent of the Cole County's population being children, it is no wonder why there is a week celebrating the young child.
Sponsored by the United Way of Central Missouri, Week of the Young Child is being celebrated April 9-16 to honor and celebrate not just children, but their teachers, educators and caregivers, said Theresa Verslues, vice president of United Way.
The theme for the week of events is, "Early Years are the Learning Years."
"Substantial learning takes place between birth and five years of age," Verslues said.