Westminster College's Preschool Lab will celebrate the "Week of the Young Child" with a special parent's night Tuesday, April 5, from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Little Neshannock Stables.

Preschoolers and their families will enjoy a night of "rodeo fun," featuring a number of outdoor activities.  Tom and Mary McKinley, owners of the Little Neshannock Stable, will provide their facilities and pony rides for the children.  Dr. David Gray, professor of psychology emeritus, will perform a horse archery event.  His presentation will open with the whistling arrow ritual, followed by a target shooting demonstration.  He will also give mini-explanations for the children and parents.  Necklace medallions and hay rides with Dr. Clarence Harms, professor of biology emeritus, will be available to all.  Parent representatives, Jennifer Behm and Jennifer Ferrell along with a committee of several parents, will provide rodeo snacks to close the evening.

The Westminster College Preschool Lab, located in the Hoyt Science Resources Center, is a multi-purpose facility that serves both the College and the community. Designed by early childhood experts, the laboratory school is committed to providing an excellent learning experience for the area's children. The program is enhanced by the use of an innovative curriculum, well-trained staff, developmentally appropriate equipment and individual attention. Under the leadership of its two preschool teachers, Diana Reed and Debra Roud, the facility was accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs.

Week of the Young Child honors the more than 35 million children from birth through age eight in America, and the families, teachers and other adults who help children make the most of the opportunities of their early year.  The week is sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Week of the Young Child celebrations around the country will promote high-quality child care, preschool and other early education opportunities for young children, and honor the teachers and administrators who work to improve those programs.  Hundreds of early education programs around the country-including child care and Hear Start programs, preschools and elementary schools , will be celebrating Week of the Young Child in different ways, such as community fairs, open houses, parent programs and political rallies.

For more information contact Reed or Roud at (724) 946-7174.

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