CLINTON — The Partnership for Children of Sampson County asks Sampsonians to come together for children during the Week of the Young Child (April 11-17, 2010). As part of the national Week of the Young Child celebrated across the country, the Partnership and other local agencies and businesses is honoring young children and all those who make a difference in children's lives.

“All young children need and deserve high-quality early learning experiences that will prepare them for life, and Sampson County has a great opportunity to do our part to help young children,” said Victoria Byrd, executive director of the Partnership for Children of Sampson County. “Week of the Young Child is the time for our citizens to recognize that early years are learning years for all young children.”

To kick off events the Partnership will publish a 12 page special edition in this Sunday's Sampson Independent. Beginning on Monday and running through Wednesday, April 14, Ribeyes Steakhouse will sponsor their three-day Ribeyes Loves Kids Luncheon fundraising event. Those guests dining at Ribeyes can tell their server that they love and want to support kids, and a portion of their meal cost will be donated to the Partnership for Children of Sampson County.

Also, on Tuesday, April 13, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., the Partnership will hold a child passenger safety event at Lowes of Clinton. The Partnership's final celebration event for the week will be held at Sampson Community College Activity Lecture Hall. “The State of Early Childhood Education” community meeting will begin with a meet and great at 10:30 a.m. followed by a panel of presentations at 11 a.m. from parents, community members, legislative representatives and local dignitaries.

Week of the Young Child is an opportunity for early childhood programs across the state and country, including child care, Smart Start programs, Head Start programs, preschools and elementary schools to hold activities to bring awareness to the needs of young children.

Young children and their families depend on high-quality education and care, which help children get a great start, and bring lasting benefits to Sampson County. Week of the Young Child is a time to recognize the importance of early learning and early literacy, and to celebrate the teachers and policies that bring early childhood education to young children.

For more information on the Partnership's Week of the Young Child events or any of the Partnership's programs and services, please contact Melinda Holland at 910-592-9399 ext. 225

Week of the Young Child Events:

• Ribeyes Loves Kids Luncheons

Monday, April 12 to Wednesday, April 14

• Child Passenger Safety Event at Lowes

Tuesday, April 13

11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

• “The State of Early Childhood Education”

Location: Sampson Community College

10:30 a.m. Meet and Greet followed

11 a.m. Community Meeting