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From the Dallas South News Wire (ChildCareGroup)

More than 500 young children, along with their teachers and parents, from Dallas-area child care centers will come together to march down MLK Boulevard in celebration of the National Week of the Young Child (April 11th-17th), honoring young children and all those who make a difference in children’s lives.

First established in 1971, the Week of the Young Child is designed to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families, recognizing that the early childhood years (birth through age lay the foundation for children’s success in school and later in life.

Hundreds of cheering supporters will line the parade route as preschoolers walk behind colorful banners to honor their teachers, parents and community leaders. Rev. Dr. Sheron Patterson, motivational speaker and author will serve as the parade’s honorary Grand Marshal. Dr. Elba Garcia, Former Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Dallas, Eddie Burns, Sr., Dallas Fire Chief, Patrick Jackson, M.L.K. Director of Facilities, and Avonda Fox, Early Childhood Advocate, are among the local Dignitaries who plan to join the preschoolers’ parade route, showing their support for programs and policies promoting quality early childhood education. The James Madison High School Marching Band, PBS characters Miguel and Maya and mascot McGruff the Crime Dog will march alongside youngsters.

ChildCareGroup, a United Way agency, is one of Dallas’ oldest and largest non-profit agencies dedicated to providing quality child care for low-income families. Every day, ChildCareGroup is responsible for providing or managing the care of 15,000 young children. For more information, log onto www.childcaregroup.org.

WHY: ChildCareGroup joins hundreds of local organizations around the country in celebrating Week of the Young Child. “All young children need and deserve high-quality early learning experiences that will prepare them for success in school and later in life. The Dallas community has a great opportunity to do its part to help make this happen,” said Margaret Patterson, President/CEO of ChildCareGroup. “Week of the Young Child is an opportunity for us to recognize that early years are learning years for all young children.”

WHEN: Friday, April 16th, 2010, 10:30am

WHERE: MLK ChildCareGroup Center at 2922 MLK Blvd., Building D, Dallas, TX 75215.  The parade route will begin in front of the center on Meyers Street, Go South on Pennsylvania, Northwest on Atlanta, and North on Martin Luther King.