Week of the Young Child kicked off — or more accurately, lifted off — with a balloon launch at the Union Pacific Train Depot Monday morning, as children from Butler Community College’s EduCare, Head Start and the First Baptist Church Daycare celebrated their recognition.

This is the second year each of the childcare centers teamed together for this celebration. Previously, the centers would have activities separately.

This time around, the children were armed with homemade musical instruments to make some noise as they marched around the depot grounds, parade-style.

After the balloons took to the sky, Dale Tower led the children in a sing-along, featuring “Old MacDonald” and “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.”

EduCare director Sue Barrientos said the centers are looking to act as advocates for the children this week.

“It’s fun for the kids,” she said. “We hope that people notice how important our future is.”
Barrientos admired the children as they marched around the depot.

“They’re so impressive in large numbers, aren’t they?” she mused. “They’re also impressive in individual numbers.”