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Cocky and Clemson Tiger agree

The importance of reading is one thing that even these two can agree on!
Photo courtesy of read-in-sc.org

Carolina. Clemson. For most South Carolinians, we have to pick a side, at least when it comes to sports. The rivalry is one of the greatest and most long-standing in the nation. While the baseball teams are trying to get another trip to Omaha, and the squads of Steve and Dabo are wrapping up spring practices, fueling the fire that will be rekindled once again this fall, the mascots have their eyes on an even bigger prize: helping all our kids be successful, whether they be Tigers or Gamecocks, or even Chanticleers or Paladins.

On Thursday, April 10, nearly a thousand school children, educators, literacy advocates, and yes, mascots gathered for the annual SC Read-In. The event, sponsored by the SC State Library and the SC Association of School Librarians is a celebration of reading and literacy for SC students of all ages. A great time was had by all. We especially want to thank our Richland County legislative delegation for their warm welcome to us and their issuance of a concurrent resolution in honor of the Week of the Young Child. The First Steps team was honored to be recognized and to represent those who believe in the importance of early care and education.


A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

TO AFFIRM THE DEDICATION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO THE FUTURE SUCCESS OF SOUTH CAROLINA’S CHILDREN AND TO DECLARE THE WEEK OF APRIL 6 THROUGH 12, 2014, AS “WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD” IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

Whereas, research has proven that the early years of life are the learning years; and

Whereas, it is the desire of the General Assembly to honor early childhood teachers who are at the heart of quality early learning; and

Whereas, today we know more than ever before the importance of children’s earliest years in shaping their learning and development; and

Whereas, the Week of the Young Child is a time to recognize that children’s opportunities are our responsibilities and to recommit ourselves to ensuring that each and every child experiences the type of early environment at home, at child care, at school, and in the community that will promote early learning; and

Whereas, the General Assembly desires to create a culture that facilitates and fosters the success of all children in South Carolina; and

Whereas, the purpose of the Week of the Young Child is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, affirms its dedication to the future success of South Carolina’s children and declares April 6 through 12, 2014, as Week of the Young Child in the State of South Carolina.