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www.FredParent.NET • 9 • Kindergarten Here We Come! Children who are 5 years old by September 30, 2017 can start kindergarten this fall. To register your child, be sure to bring every- thing listed below to your child's school on your county's enrollment day. • Child's offi cial, certifi ed birth certifi cate • Proof of address • School Entrance Health Form • Photo ID for parent or legal guardian * Call or check your school's website for details. 2017 Regional Kindergarten Enrollment Days More questions? Call Smart Beginnings at 540-479-6944 or email Janine Sewell at janine@smartbeginningsra.org Thursday, April 6 STAFFORD, SPOTSYLVANIA and CAROLINE County Public School Divisions Wednesday, May 3 City of FREDERICKSBURG Public School Division Saturday, April 8 10am - 1pm Kindergarten Kickoff Children's Museum of Richmond Join Smart Beginnings Rappahannock at CMoR Fredericksburg for fun, educa- tional activities to help prepare children for kindergarten, introduce them to a classroom routine, and a chance for parents to visit with special guests from area schools. "Shhh! We Have a Plan" by Chris Haughton, is the colorful, award-winning children's picture book selected by the CRRL to be read across the region by local celebrities, Smart Beginnings volunteers and area school teachers. "Last year we found that there were several different reading programs going on to celebrate the Week of the Young Child," said Regional Virginia Quality Coordinator Janine Sewell. "Partnering with the CRRL and using the same book across the region strengthens our efforts to educate parents on the critical role reading plays in brain development between 0 and 5." Debbie Kestner, director of The Merit School of Stafford Lakes, an NAEYC- accredited and Level 3 Quality program, agreed that being read to is an important part of her students' lives, whether at childcare or at home. "This reading program brings together the community, schools, and families to support learning and development. Reading aloud to them daily makes them feel cared for and secure." Virginia Quality supports this week to improve the level of quality found in each child care center/preschool. "Reading together as a family will lay a foundation that will last a life time," says Darcie Caswell, youth services coordinator of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library. Here are our suggestions to get started: How to Celebrate "Week of the Young Child:" • Attend a Library Grow-a-Reader class. Check schedules at www.crrl.org. • Look for Library fast-facts handouts at branches or on Facebook for childhood development statistics. • Go to www.smartbeginningsra.org for information on early brain development. • Volunteer to read "Shhh! We have a Plan" at Smart Beginnings Virginia Quality child care programs. Call Janine Sewell at 540- 479-6944. • Make reading a regular part of your day for as long as your child will allow. • Select books based on your child's interests. • Pair reading with activities. Follow The Merit School's example: Musical Monday, Tacky Art Tuesday, Wrap Around Hand Print Wednesday, Trike-a-Thon Thursday, and Brain Freeze Ice Cream Friday. WRITTEN BY MEGAN WALSH Fredericksburg-area school children will celebrate the Week of the Young Child this April 23 - 29, with a reading program developed by a new partnership between the Smart Beginnings Rappahannock Area Virginia Quality program and the Central Rappahannock Regional Library System (CRRL). ...to Read to Your Child Powered by Virginia Quality