HR0426 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0426 LRB099 12097 GRL 34769 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives recognize young children as one of the State's most precious and valuable resources; and

WHEREAS, The National Association for the Education of Young Children is the nation's largest early childhood organization; the association seeks to serve and act on behalf of the rights, needs, and well-being of all young children, with a primary focus on the provision of educational and developmental needs and services; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children (ILAEYC) is the State affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children; ILAEYC has over 3,100 members and 17 local affiliate chapters around the State dedicated to the same mission; and

WHEREAS, The National Association for the Education of Young Children has designated the week of April 12-18 as the Week of the Young Child; the month of April is designated as Month of the Young Child in the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, The purpose of the Month of the Young Child is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the individuals, early childhood programs, and services that are dedicated to meeting those needs; and

WHEREAS, There are members of the organization, such as teachers, program directors, school administrators, agency personnel, college faculty, and others, who continually go above and beyond what is expected to see that these needs are met; and

WHEREAS, These individuals are considered to be true Children's Champions, who go further than anyone else to make a positive difference to the lives of children everywhere; and

WHEREAS, The actions of Lee Eklund of Southern Illinois AEYC (Carbondale); Andrea Bierman of Spirit of Illinois (Charleston); Lou Anne Burton of East Central AEYC (Urbana); Leigh Egger of Quad Cities AEYC (East Moline); Jacqueline Miller of South Suburban AEYC (Chicago Ridge); Kathie Raiborn of Heart of Illinois AEYC (Peoria); and Laurie Rhodes of Capitol Area AEYC (Elkhart) represent shining examples of those in our communities doing good things for children; these individuals have been nominated by their local affiliate chapters and designated by the Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children as Illinois 2015 Children's Champions; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the Illinois 2015 Children's Champions and their dedication, hard work, and significant contributions to the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to each of the Illinois 2015 Children's Champions in recognition of their efforts.