By Shannon Beamon
Staff Writer
Whether it’s a finger painting on the fridge, or a construction paper chain on a window, or a cardboard critter beside a little bed, there’s nothing quite as reminiscent of childhood as a child’s artwork. So to celebrate the Week of the Young Child, a number of groups — including Stanly Community College, the Stanly County Partnership for Children and a local chapter of the National Association for the Education of Young Children — recently put those precious pieces on display for everyone.
Titled the “Young Child Art Show,” the display at Stanly County Commons included artwork from 13 different child care centers and homes in Stanly County. There are about 6,000 such facilities across North Carolina and about 530 in the Charlotte region. Together, those facilities support about 250,000 young children, newborn through 8 years old.
“Teachers in those classrooms are integral to building each child’s capacity to reach their full potential,” said Anna Carter, director of  N.C. Division of Child Development and Early Education.
In fact, research shows that for every dollar spent on comprehensive, high-quality, birth-to-5 early education saves $7 in future educational costs, the governor’s office reports.
In light of that, SCC has been providing an Early Childhood program for several years, representatives at the show noted. Over the next 10 years, employment in that field is projected to increase about 3 percent, they added.
“During the Week of the Young Child we want to take the time to both acknowledge and thank those in the early education field for the important work that they do every day in the life of a child,” Carter said.

Emilia Baker eyes a construction paper rocketship made by Jaxon Perez of Tillery Academy.

Isaiah Ellerbe of the Oakboro Kids Club explains his piece of artwork to his mom.

Contact Shannon Beamon at 704-982-0816 or shannon.beamon@stanlynewspress.com.