Madera County proclaims April 7-11 as Week of the Young Child

In a recent meeting held on April 8, 2025, the Madera County Board of Supervisors proclaimed the week of April 7-11 as the "Week of the Young Child," emphasizing the importance of early childhood education and family support. This initiative, led by First 5 Madera County and the United Way of Fresno Madera, aims to celebrate young children and their families while promoting community engagement in their development.

Monica Ramirez, Executive Director of First 5 Madera County, highlighted that approximately 12,000 children aged 0 to 5 reside in the county, representing a crucial segment of the population. She stressed that providing a strong foundation during these early years is vital for future success in education and life. As part of the celebration, the organizations are launching the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a program designed to deliver free, age-appropriate books to children’s homes. This initiative aims to foster literacy and school readiness, with the potential to provide up to 60 books per child at no cost.

Stephanie Nathan, Executive Director of United Way, expressed excitement about the partnership, noting that the program will help ensure that children in Madera County have access to books, which are essential for their learning and development. The official launch of the Imagination Library is scheduled for April 9, inviting community members to participate in the festivities.

In addition to the Week of the Young Child, the meeting also addressed April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month. Nikki Matusz, Deputy Director of the Madera County Department of Social Services, emphasized the importance of community collaboration in preventing child maltreatment. The department, in partnership with the Madera County Child Abuse Prevention Council, is hosting various events throughout the month to raise awareness and support families.

Amanda Alvarez, Community Education Coordinator with the Child Abuse Prevention Council, outlined several upcoming events, including the Colors of Resilience Ceremony and Expo, which aims to celebrate strength and resilience in the community. Other events include a community resource fair and a flag-raising ceremony, all designed to engage the public and promote child welfare.

The discussions during the meeting underscored the county's commitment to supporting its youngest residents and addressing critical issues surrounding child welfare. As Madera County moves forward with these initiatives, the collaboration between local organizations and community members will be essential in fostering a safe and nurturing environment for children.