Findlay, Ohio, April 12, 2000 -- The Lifelong Educational Center, The University of Findlay’s on-campus childcare facility, will participate in the Week of the Young Child, April 29 – May 5.

The week begins on Saturday and Sunday with a “Family Fun Fest” from noon to 4 p.m. each day at the Findlay Village Mall. About 15 child care centers, pre-schools and service agencies will participate. The event is sponsored by the Multi-County Association for the Education of Young Children, Step by Step, the Findlay Village Mall and radio stations Magic 107.7, Eagle 106.3, Buckeye Country 103.7 and WTTF 1600.

The Center will observe Child Care Provider Appreciation Day on Monday by encouraging parents to express their gratitude to those who care for their youngsters. On Tuesday morning, UF will participate in a children’s walk at the Dorney Plaza in downtown Findlay. The event will include storytelling and a visit by a police officer and the mayor. The first 200 children will receive a children’s book donated by Ohio Reads. The event takes place from 10 to 10:45 a.m. The rain date is Wednesday, May 3.

On Wednesday, a LAPP Reading In-service will be sponsored by the Findlay After and Before School Sessions (FABSS) from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Hancock County Agricultural Center. The event will feature Kim Reinhart Clark speaking about why it’s important to read to and with young children.

Family Video will sponsor a movie night on Thursday. Those who rent a new release from Family Video that day will be able to rent a second video for $1. Children’s videos are free. Step by Step will conduct a screening for the Grads program at Millstream Career Cooperative from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Friday.

In addition to the week’s events, a child care directors’ luncheon will be held Tuesday, April 25, at 12:30 p.m. in The University of Findlay’s Rosewood Room. Invitations are being sent to local child care directors. Also, a pre-school art exhibition reception will be held Wednesday, April 26, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the McClelland Gallery.

The University of Findlay’s Lifelong Education Center is part of the Marilyn and Gordon Macklin Institute for Intergenerational Studies at The University of Findlay. The National Association for the Education of Young Children began the national observance of the Week of the Young Child to celebrate the significance of young children.

For more information about the week, call 419-434-6951.