Children Play – and Learn – at Childhood Festival

Winnie-the-Pooh, the Cat in the Hat and other literary characters joined a host of exhibitors in greeting families and young children at the Early Childhood Festival Saturday at Sheridan College.

Over 20 stations gave children a chance to dig for treasure, paint and engage in other activities all aimed, ultimately, at getting them ready for school. Many were accompanied by parents, others by grandparents or other family members.

Among those attending was Ashley Chase, who brought her two-year-old nephew to the event. Chase said she and her nephew were taking advantage of a bit of everything the Festival had to offer.

Exhibitors included Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library, which was giving away books to promote literacy in early childhood. Children’s Librarian Michelle Havenga said children could choose one of three books to keep.

Also on hand were representatives of Sheridan County’s WIC program – an acronym for Women, Infants and Children – along with Sheridan
County School District 1’s early childhood program, Rooted in Wyoming and Science Kids, among others.

Jeriann Jacobson, who’s Sheridan College’s early childhood liaison, said this is the third year for the Early Childhood Festival. The event is open free for preschool children and their families.

Jacobson said the event provides a way for parents to learn what’s required for their children to be ready for school as well as a way for them to learn about the programs available here.