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For children ages 0 to 5, learning begins long before a classroom. It happens through play, movement, and interaction — the very experiences at the heart of Week of the Young Child, a nationwide celebration focused on early childhood development.
Observed each April, the initiative brings together families, educators, and service providers to highlight the critical importance of early learning and early intervention. For Far Northern Regional Center, the week has grown from a small, pandemic-era effort into a series of large-scale community events across multiple counties.
“The first being a parking lot event during the pandemic… and then beginning in 2023, we partnered… to hold a large event,” said Chere Sullivan, Associate Director, Case Management, noting that more than 700 community members attended one of the first in-person events.
At the center of these efforts is a signature experience known as Dino Day: Roar and Explore — a sensory-based event designed to support early development in a way that feels natural and fun for children.
Cathy Gifford, Case Management Supervisor, who has helped organize and support the event in recent years, said the dinosaur concept grew out of a simple question — what captures a child’s imagination while creating meaningful engagement.
“I want to say 4 or 5 years ago… we were trying to brainstorm and think, what do kids really like?” Gifford said. “We almost went with trains… but there were already events like that. So I think that’s where the dinosaur theme came from.”
What started as a creative idea quickly evolved into a staple for families. Early events even featured animatronic dinosaurs, adding a sense of wonder that helped cement the theme’s popularity. Over time, the event adapted to better suit younger children, shifting toward interactive and approachable experiences.
“And then we just kind of stuck with it because it was so well-liked,” Gifford said.
“Our event is especially unique… every station has… a different experience for the child,” said Yvette Cauntay, Case Management Supervisor. “It’s a safe environment for all children of all developmental abilities.”
Unlike traditional community events that focus primarily on distributing information, Dino Day is intentionally built around hands-on engagement. Children move freely between activity stations designed to stimulate touch, movement, sound, and creativity, while parents connect with providers and resources.
This approach reflects what experts and providers emphasize about early childhood development — that young children learn best through exploration and social interaction. Organizers say the shift toward child-centered experiences has been shaped by years of trial and observation.
“You saw parents come in… and the kids were moving quickly from activity to activity, but they (parents) were just hanging out,” said Gifford. “You just saw everyone kind of relax.”
That relaxed, exploratory environment is intentional. Activities are designed not only to engage children but also to support developmental milestones and identify potential needs early.
Sullivan said the events also play a critical role in connecting families to services, particularly those who may not yet be familiar with available support systems.
“Every year, we have a handful of families that come through… and then connect with our intake department to determine eligibility for services. Early intervention is important because the child… is the most pliable during the early years,” Sullivan said. “There’s lots of research that supports that early intervention changes the trajectory for the positive. The week of the young child events are highly effective in meeting our agency objective with regards to child find activities within our communities.” Child Find is a mandated activity to identify, locate, and evaluate children with suspected delays. Activities include screening events, staff training for referrals, and reviewing developmental milestones to ensure children receive necessary intervention and support services.
In addition to developmental screenings and resources, the events foster something equally important — a sense of belonging.
“They can just run and explore… and the parents can connect with each other while their children are having fun,” Cauntay said.
This year’s Week of the Young Child will feature multiple events across the region, expanding access for families in rural communities who may otherwise face barriers to participation. This year’s two Dino Day events were made possible in thanks to grant funds awarded to Far Northern Regional Center. Grant partners include First 5 Shasta, First 5 Tehama and the Tehama County Local Child Care Planning Council (LPC). Venue partners consist of Redding Rancheria and New Life Assembly of God.
Among the featured events are the Far Northern Regional Centers’ two Dino Day experiences:
- Tuesday, April 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — New Life Assembly of God, 660 Solano St., Corning
- Wednesday, April 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Win-River Resort & Casino Event Center, Redding
Additional outreach events will take place throughout the week in Siskiyou County and beyond.
For Gifford, expanding into communities like Corning represents a meaningful step forward in accessibility.
“I am looking forward to the families coming out… that wouldn’t necessarily have an opportunity to do so,” she said, noting that even short travel distances can be difficult for families with young children.
As the Week of the Young Child continues to grow, organizers hope the message resonates beyond a single week: early experiences matter, and communities play a vital role in shaping them.
“It’s an opportunity for inclusion,” Sullivan said. “A place where families can come… and engage in fun activities.”
Through sensory play, community connection, and early support, events like Dino Day aim to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive — one roar at a time.