The Week of the Young Child Event April 2024

Myrtue Community Health’s Learning for Life Program and the Harlan Community Library teamed up on April 11th during Prevent Child Abuse Month to celebrate The Week of the Young Child.

Multiple families explored emotions through activities like yoga, story time, and creating calm-down bottles. Every child took home a book, snack, coloring pages, and crayons. Additionally, each family received calming techniques and a packet on emotional well-being.

"My 18-month-old son always looks forward to story time,” said parent, Cydney Shriver, who participated in this event with her son, Ezra. “Although he is still too young to grasp his emotions completely, this activity was a great learning experience for both of us. Making the calm-down bottles was a delightful craft to do together at the end of the evening, and my son enjoys using his creation at home!"

Myrtue’s Learning for Life program aims to enhance the early development, learning, and overall well-being of children by involving and assisting parents. This program is offered free of charge to families in Shelby County with expectant mothers or children aged from 0 to kindergarten. Grant funding for this event was provided by Prevent Child Abuse Iowa and through a Service Contract with Early Childhood Iowa for LFL in Harrison, Monona and Shelby County.

You can learn more about Learning for Life by calling Shelby County Public Health at 712.755.4422.