First 5 Shasta Kicks Off Week of the Young Child at Whistlestop Park

Angie Baker and Calli Brennan, authors of Pawter in the Water, Rhyming Stories about Water Safety, a fun, colorful book to help prevent drowning, a leading cause of death in young children.

It was a happy, energetic and joyous scene at Whistlestop Park in downtown Redding on Friday afternoon, April 3, 2026, as young children and their families enjoyed free activities, arts and crafts, music, dancing, ice cream and more, held as a kick off to celebrate  “The Week Of The Young Child,” April 11-18 and designed to spotlight early learning, young children, their teachers and caregivers, families and, in general……..the community!

From left are Wendy Dickens, Shasta First 5 Executive Director, Megan Johnson, Shasta First 5 Program Coordinator, and staffers Liz Poole and Nicole Gudman.

“Keep your eyes out for the paper dolls that are popping out around town, and as you start to see these super fun dolls pop up at local businesses, take a minute to admire them and all that they represent,” said Wendy Dickens, Executive Director of First 5 Shasta. These paper dolls are handcrafted and represent individual children from our community.  Working together, we are building a pathway to success that benefits children and the entire community…for generations to come,” concluded Dickens.

According to Dickens, “The Week Of The Young Child” was established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families, and to recognize early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. 

The O'Callaghan family of John (pictured left), Christy, and Allie, with friend Aaron Branscomb, enjoy the activities at Whistlestop Park.

According to Dickens, First 5 Shasta is supporting community partners in providing enriching and engaging events for young children and their families to enjoy during “The Week of the Young Child.”  These events for children foster social-emotional development, inclusion, parental connections, and physical and cognitive development.  More information about events can be found at Week of the Young Child/First 5 Shasta or by calling (530) 646-3780 or (530) 646-3786.