This week is the Week of the Young Child, a time to shine a spotlight on early childhood education and its importance to a child’s success in school and in life. Led by Beaufort-Hyde Partnership for Children, area childhood development agencies, daycares, educators and other stakeholders came together on the Washington waterfront Thursday morning to “paint the town blue,” as young children and their caretakers donned Week of the Young Child T-shirts and paraded downtown. Local dignitaries led the parade, bearing the Week of the Young Child sign. The parade was followed by a festival in Festival Park — an event that combined learning and fun for the young children. 

 

Pictured at the top (left to right) Bishop James McIntyre Sr., of Cornerstone Family Worship Center, District Attorney Seth Edwards, Beaufort County Commissioner Ed Booth, Washington Mayor Mac Hodges, Beaufort County Schools Superintendent Don Phipps, Beaufort County Health Department Director James Madson hold aloft the Week of the Young Child banner as they led the parade down Water Street on Thursday morning. All other photos are of children from local daycares, pre-ks and more who took part in the parade, along with their caretakers.