Harford County Early Years Expo Set for April 9 in Abingdon

From the Harford County Department of Community Services:

(Bel Air, MD) – The Harford County Department of Community Services’ Local Management Board, in collaboration with the Early Childhood Roundtable, is proud to announce that the Early Years Expo, an early childhood resource fair, will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Abingdon Elementary School, 399 Singer Road in Abingdon. The event is sponsored by PNC Bank and is free and open to the public.

The Early Years Expo is for local families with children ages birth to five years to learn about a wealth of early childhood related opportunities that exist in Harford County. The Department of Community Services Local Management Board believes in educating families about community resources and making the linkage between valuable services and the families they exist to serve. The better connected that families are to community resources, the more likely children will be provided with the building blocks of early childhood development.

The Early Years Expo will feature over 40 area businesses, organizations, and groups offering services and products for families and their children. Also featured at the Expo will be the PNC Grow Up Great Mobile Learning Adventure: a traveling exhibit that provides an opportunity for parents and caregivers to learn about the importance of early childhood education while they engage in fun activities with their children. Special features include fun, interactive kiosks for kids and grownups, a “When I Grow Up” photo opportunity for children with a framed photo to take home, and tons of giveaways, including activity books, ready for school kits, and tips and information for parents.

“Research has shown that the years from birth to age five are the most critical period of learning in a child’s life. PNC is committed to creating awareness for the importance of early childhood education initiatives and providing families with the tools and knowledge to help children be successful in kindergarten and in life,” said Chick Hamm, PNC Market Executive.

For a list of participating vendors and to view the informational flyer, visit http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/services/community/doc/1601.pdf. For more information, contact the Harford County Department of Community Services Local Management Board at 410-638-3166.