In Celebration of the Month of the Young Child, the Montelores Early Childhood Council (MECC), San Juan Board of Cooperative Educational Services (SJBOCES) and the Montezuma County Health Department (MCHD) are joining together to bring an Early Childhood Fair to Montezuma County. This Early Childhood Celebration will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 16 at the County Annex, located at 103 N. Chestnut.
The fair is geared for parents and their children age birth up to 5 years. The fair will offer information about programs, supports and services for young children in our community as well as provide several types of health screenings, all free of charge.
No appointment is necessary.
The free services offered at the fair include screenings for development, hearing, vision, behavior and dental. Local health professionals will be volunteering their time to conduct the screenings.
While immunizations will not be available during the fair due to the increased number of children participating, parents who bring their childs shot records can have their childs immunizations reviewed and receive a free shot coupon that they can use at a later date at the Montezuma County Health Department. Child IDs and fingerprinting will be provided by the Montezuma County Sheriffs Department.
Parents can also visit with health professionals to find out more about child nutrition, WIC, CHP+, mental health programs, parenting programs and much more. Car Seat checks will be available and parents can purchase new car seats for $20. Information about bike and helmet safety will be provided and a limited number of $5 helmets will be available for purchase.
Local preschools and daycares will be on hand to answer questions about their programs and enrollment procedures. Parents may be able to complete, on site, enrollment forms for upcoming summer and fall programs or pick up enrollment packets that can be returned to the preschools at a later date. Many of the participating preschools and daycares will be providing fun, make and take activities that children can participate in.
Parents and their young children can meet Smokey the Bear, visit with a K-9 cop, see a fire truck and meet local firefighters. There will be storytelling, puppets, musical entertainment, door prizes and more.
Parents are encouraged to bring their young children and come out for a fun and informative day in Celebration of Early Childhood.
For more information, contact Pam Wilderson at 570-7749.