PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach will host the fifth annual Celebration of the Young Child from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024, in Downtown Long Beach. This free event provides hands-on activities and showcases vendors who provide services and resources for children up to 8 years old.

“We are proud to offer the yearly Celebration of the Young Child event,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “The early years of a child’s life are so precious, and the opportunities provided at this event can positively influence their lives for years to come.”

The event will be co-located at Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway) and at the adjacent Lincoln Park. Free parking will be available in the Civic Center parking garage located at the corner of Broadway and Chestnut Avenue.

Late last year, the Early Childhood Education team conducted a community survey of past participants to gather insight into how the Celebration could best support child development for babies and young children. The survey, which informed this year’s activities, found that healthy food options, hands-on activities, spaces for children with varying sensory needs, and on-site enrollment assistance to programs are experiences families requested, while the free shuttle service to and from the event was the least needed.

This year’s event will feature performances by Latin Grammy-winner and author of “Paletero Man,” Lucky Diaz, and Wacko the Magician. Additional activities include music and movement for toddlers and preschool-aged children hosted by Library staff, read-aloud story times, a sensory exploration area and other educational hands-on activities.

Early intervention resources and screenings will also be provided free of charge to families with children who may benefit from them. Screening tools include the Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ)-3, a widely used tool used to help parents identify areas of development in which their child may need more support, and the articulation component of the Preschool Language Scale (PSL)-5. All screenings will be based on walk-in appointments ranging from 10- to 20-minute sessions that includes screening results and connecting with on-site support resources. Vaccination clinics will also be on site to provide children with their routine immunizations.

“Celebration of the Young Child showcases our commitment to the growth and well-being of our young children, offering a solid foundation of support for future generations of Long Beach residents,” said First District Councilmember Mary Zendejas. “It is a privilege to host this special event at the Billie Jean King Main Library in the First District.”

Information booths from local and regional education centers, agencies and vendors who provide services to families and children up to age 8 will be set up outside on the library terrace with educational handouts that promote healthy child development and resources for parents.

The celebration is a collaboration between the Department of Health and Human Services’ Early Childhood Strategic Initiatives program, the Long Beach Public Library and the Mayor’s Fund for Long Beach. To learn more about the Early Childhood Strategic Initiatives program, people may visit longbeach.gov/earlychildhood.