The City of Long Beach is set to host its seventh annual Celebration of the Young Child in downtown at the Billie Jean King Main Library on Saturday, April 25.
The free event is designed to offer activities and resources for children up to 8 years old. Programming will include performances from Brillantina’s Storytelling and Josue Cuentacuentos, both of whom specialize in bilingual musical storytelling, as well as the Mera Dance Troupe, a dance group known for celebrating Khmer culture.
Music and movement for young children, read-aloud story times, a sensory exploration area and other educational hands-on activities are also expected to be part of the event.
“Every child deserves a strong start, and the Celebration of the Young Child connects families to the resources, learning opportunities and community support that help our youngest residents thrive,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement.
Other services and resources include:
- Information booths that promote healthy child development and resources for parents.
- 10-20 minute walk-in appointments, along with screening results and easy connection to vendors on-site, for:
- Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ)-3, a popular resource that helps parents identify where their child may need more development support. Courtesy of nonprofit For the Child.
- The articulation component of the Preschool Language Scale (PSL)-5. Provided by Cal State Long Beach’s Speech and Language Clinic.
- Pediatric eye health screenings to help identify vision concerns and prevent future issues. Eye screenings will include vision education, resources and reading glasses, if needed. Space is limited, so attendees are encouraged to arrive early to sign up for a walk-in appointment. Courtesy of the UCLA Mobile Eye Clinic.
- Vaccination clinics to provide children with their routine immunizations.
- Oral health assessments, which will include screening results, oral health education, dental resources, oral health kits and fluoride varnish application. Courtesy of the Children’s Dental Health Clinic.
Community vendors and information booths from local and regional organizations with educational materials that promote healthy child development and parental resources will be set up outside on the library terrace.
Celebration of the Young Child is a collaborative effort between the Department of Health and Human Services’ Early Childhood Strategic Initiatives program, the Long Beach Public Library and the Mayor’s Fund for Education.
Celebration of the Young Child will take place Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway) and Lincoln Park (101 Pacific Ave.), adjacent to the library. Free parking will be available in the Civic Center parking garage at the corner of Broadway and Chestnut Avenue.
