MISSISSIPPI STATE – A recreational vehicle loaded with early childhood resources will tour Mississippi April 7-11 to celebrate the Week of the Young Child.

The Mississippi Child Care Resource and Referral Network, a program of the Mississippi State University Extension Service, is sending its mobile library to Pontotoc, Chickasaw, Copiah, Madison, Rankin, Tunica and Panola counties.

Providers, families and community members can tour the RV and receive giveaways. Providers can earn one contact hour by completing a make-and-take activity.

“We are spreading the word about our resource and referral sites and what is available to our providers and families statewide to help children every day,” said Ellen Goodman, project director for the MSCCR&R Network.

The Week of the Young Child is a national event sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children to honor 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 Mississippi has a great opportunity to do our part to help young children,” said Louise E. Davis, MSCCR&R Network director and Extension professor. “The Week of the Young Child is a time for Mississippi to recognize that early years are learning years for all young children.”

The network operates 16 brick-and-mortar resource centers across the state that offer children’s books, developmentally appropriate toys, curricula and teacher’s activities, as well as access to laminators and other equipment used to support classroom needs. The mobile unit allows the network to take these resources on the road. These resources are available for check out for use with children at homes and child care sites.

With funding from the Mississippi Department of Human Services Division of Early Childhood Care and Development, the MSCCR&R Network serves families and early care and education professionals by supporting quality care that develops and supports the whole child both at home and at school. The network offers child care referral services, workshops, one-on-one home visits and small group assistance for families, and works to improve practices and working conditions to support early childhood programs that families can trust. It also provides in-service, technical assistance and professional development opportunities for child care providers.

More information about the network and its tour are available at http://www.childcaremississippi.com.

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The Mississippi Child Care Resource and Referral Network will make seven stops across the state. Visit the Week of the Young Child Mobile RV Tour at any of its stops:

Monday, April 7

Pontotoc County Extension Office
402 C. J. Hardin Jr. Drive, Pontotoc
8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Chickasaw County Extension Office
415 Lee Horn Drive, Houston
1 to 3 p.m.

Tuesday, April 8

Hazelhurst United Methodist Church
127 Caldwell Drive, Hazelhurst
Noon to 3 p.m.

Wednesday, April 9

Central Mississippi Resource and Referral Site
Historic Old Courthouse Building
140 W. Peace St., Canton
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Thursday, April 10

First Baptist Children’s Center
309 S. College St., Brandon
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday, April 11

Tunica County Extension Office
1211 Kenny Hill Ave., Tunica
9:00 a.m to noon

Panola County Extension Office
Highway 51, Batesville
1:30 to 4 p.m.