INFORMATIONAL

  The Week of the Young Child will be observed across the nation
  from April 19-25, 1998.  Recently, Governor James Gilmore
  signed a proclamation acknowledging Virginia's participation
  in this observance.  A copy of the proclamation is enclosed
  for your reference.

  We hope that administrators in your school division will work
  with school personnel to plan activities to highlight the
  critical importance of the first eight years of development.

  Week of the Young Child observances typically include
  activities and events to increase public awareness of the
  needs of young children and those conditions that support and
  promote young children's optimal development.

  For additional information or suggested activities, you may
  wish to contact the coordinator of  the 1998 Week of the Young
  Child in Virginia, Ms. Dianne Watkins, Richmond City Public
  Schools, 2015 Westwood Avenue, Second Floor, Richmond,
  Virginia 23230, telephone:  (804) 780-5530.



  JLD/pl

  Enclosure:   A hard copy of this memo and its enclosure
               will be sent to the superintendent's office.