Senators Birkholz, Allen, Cassis, Basham, Garcia, Goschka, Patterson, Schauer, McManus, Hardiman, Jelinek, Brown, Cropsey, Van Woerkom, Hammerstrom, Kuipers, Bishop, Olshove, Brater, Scott, Clark-Coleman, Jacobs, Cherry, Thomas, Prusi, Switalski, Clarke, Whitmer, Emerson, Barcia, Leland, George and Stamas offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 114.

            A resolution designating April 2006 as the Month of the Young Child.

Whereas, Every child has the potential for success and happiness in life; and

            Whereas, Children rely on the adults in their family, community, and in our great state to nurture and encourage their efforts and to provide them with opportunities to learn and succeed. Indeed, adults in a child’s world influence, for better or worse, the direction a child’s life takes; and

            Whereas, Care and attention must be given to ensure that young children grow and mature into loving, considerate, productive, and healthy adults capable of caring for themselves; and

            Whereas, The entire state of Michigan and our great nation have high stakes in how well each young child develops in the early years; and

            Whereas, Some children experience child abuse, neglect, inadequate health care, poor nutrition, inept parenting, and inappropriate child care, all of which limit their opportunities for a successful, happy life; and

            Whereas, We have the ability and duty to see that each child acquires appropriate social, emotional, cognitive, and motor skills and enjoys necessary supports in areas of health services, nutrition, education, and care; and

            Whereas, Celebrating the importance of meeting the needs of young children is a worthwhile endeavor for every Michigan citizen; and

            Whereas, Each April, Michigan residents reflect on ways to enhance the well-being of young children with each week set aside for a particular focus. The focus weeks in April 2006 are: Recognizing Early Childhood Professionals, Celebrating Community Partnerships, Promoting Healthy Children and Families, and Advocating on Behalf of Children and Families; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby proclaim the month of April 2006 as the Month of the Young Child in Michigan. We encourage all citizens to join activities associated with this month and support continuously the needs of young children; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children.