Chestermere celebrated the importance that playing has on a young child during the sixth annual National Child Day Play Day on Nov. 23.
Over 200 families attended National Child Play Day and were encouraged to play games, craft, dance and sing with other children.
“It’s a day to recognize kids, and celebrate kids,” said Early Childhood Development Specialist Suzan Jensen.
“It’s a great excuse for the kiddos to play,” Jensen said.
Jensen who is also a part of the Formative 5 Coalition said National Child Day Play Day is an opportunity for the community to come together, and celebrate that children are only young once.
“The first five years of life are the most formative years in a human’s lifespan, and positive experience and a supportive community can play a vital role in ensure our children are getting the best possible start in life,” Jensen said.
She added, “We know how they grow up in their first five years of life has a huge impact on the rest of their lives. It’s really important.”
National Child Day Play Day is one of the Early Childhood Coalitions (ECCA) main projects, Jensen said.
“It’s a way for the community to come together, support our youngest community members, our leaders of tomorrow.
“When children experience optimal development during their early years of life through support and positive experiences, they are stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to navigate life,” Jensen said.
The main propose of the National Child Day Play Day is for families to get out in the community, meet local service providers, and find out about different programs and services offered in the community Jensen added.
All of the clubs and organizations that attended National Child Day Play Day hosted their own activity station.
“We invite all local service providers, they can come, and show cause their programs, resources, and services, the only ask is they offer some sort of fun play day engaging activity, from a craft to a dance performance, there’s a variety.
“It’s really amazing to see what they come up with, it’s always fun and engaging,” Jensen said.
She added, “We’re really grateful to have that support.”
South East Rocky View and Chestermere has amazing service providers, organizations and businesses that help support children and families, Jensen said.
Her ultimate goal during National Child Day Play Day was for parents to make a connection with the local organizations and take the activities showcased and do them at home with their children.
National Child Day Play Day has always been well-received by Chestermere, Jensen said.
“It’s one of those events where it’s unique because of all the different service providers coming together, supporting kids, highlighting play and the importance of play,” she said.
Jensen added, “Thank you to all of the service providers who came out. We’re really grateful to have so much support from the community, we’re really lucky.”
