Submitted Photo Pictured from left, Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello, MOYC Chairperson Virginia Miller and Silver Creek Mayor Jeffrey Hornburg at the Chautauqua County Chapter of NYAEYC annual kick-off event.

IRVING — The Chautauqua County Chapter of NYAEYC held their official kick-off event for the Month of the Young Child at Lake Shore Family Center in Irving on Monday, April 1. County Executive George Borrello and Silver Creek Mayor Jeffery Hornburg read official proclamations before an audience of invited guests, LSFC staff, LSFC Adult Day Care Center participants and young children. The proclamations were followed by several musical numbers by the children, and a story about friendship, read by Helen Dening.

MOYC Chairperson Virginia Miller opened the event with introductory statements regarding the Month of the Young Child, the importance of high-quality early experiences for young children, and how this year’s theme: “Uniting our strengths for young children — begins with YOU” emphasizes ways that partnerships and collaborative efforts of community resources and programs provide a strong early foundation for successful outcomes for young children.

The Month of the Young Child, is an annual celebration in April sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Its purpose is to focus public attention on the beauty of early childhood, the needs of young children, and the programs and services that work to meet those needs. For additional information on the MOYC and scheduled events in Chautauqua County, contact Miller at 366-6070.