Event gives ideas for early childhood development activities

Clark County’s Support for Early Learning & Families will hold its first Love. Talk. Play. event Wednesday to guide parents in activities that help foster healthy development in their infants and toddlers.

“Parents are their child’s first and most important teachers,” said Debbie Ham, SELF executive director. “Often they don’t know how to make the most of this role to give their children the best possible start in school and in life.”

The event is from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Washington Elementary School, 2908 S St. in Vancouver and is at no cost to participants.

Activities include music and play stations, where parents and their children can see demonstrations and participate in activities recommended by early childhood development experts.

The event is the first of five events SELF will hold around the county and is part of a statewide campaign, Ham said.

The county events are sponsored by Columbia Credit Union and United Way of the Columbia Willamette.

Vancouver Public Schools, Legacy Salmon Creek, Clark County Public Health, Fort Vancouver Library District, Educational Opportunities for Children & Families and Educational Service District 112 also took part, Ham said.

Gift bags will be given out to attendees while supplies last. RSVP at lovetalkplay@selfwa.org.

To learn more about activities to do with infants and children, visit lovetalkplay.org or call 1-800-932-4673.