October 19-23, 2020: Celebrate Babies Week

 

WHEREAS, over 100,000 babies are born every year in Michigan; and,

 

WHEREAS, early relationships are the foundation of a young child’s psychological, emotional, physical, and developmental well-being, and infants and young children need to be nurtured by one or more consistent caregivers; and,

 

WHEREAS, Michigan is dedicated to increasing the awareness of the importance of early social and emotional development and to celebrating the many valuable caregivers who raise Michigan’s children; and,

 

WHEREAS, we acknowledge that we must work together as a state to increase awareness and public understanding of the critical importance of healthy relationships between infants, toddlers, parents, and early childhood caregivers; and,

 

WHEREAS, data shows the need to address disparities through the creation of anti-racist systems that provide equitable access to services and programs that support infants, toddlers and young children, and their families; and,

 

WHEREAS, Michigan is committed to improving outcomes for infants, toddlers, and young children with a focus on collaboration and partnership; and,

 

WHEREAS, each year, Michigan dedicates one week to officially celebrate infants, toddlers, young children, their families, and early childhood professionals in Michigan and across the globe; and,

 

WHEREAS, through intentional community outreach, networking, social action, and policy awareness efforts, babies, their families, and those that support them all over Michigan are celebrated;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 19-23, 2020, as Celebrate Babies Week in Michigan.