Week of the Young Child: WeGo Together for Kids

Connecting our Community...Strengthening our Families 

The mission of WeGo Together for Kids is to address the health, safety and well-being of students and families through a collaborative, coordinated and comprehensive approach for West Chicago schools and community. The vision is for all members of the community to support each other in creating an environment for growth, wellness, safety, happiness, and wisdom (West Chicago Elementary School District 33, 2011).

On Tuesday evening, DuPage Children's Museum (DCM) partnered with WeGo Together for Kids to offer a program for children in preschool through second grade titled “Everyone is Special.”  While parents attended a program called “Building Social Emotional Skills in Your Child and Yourself,” DCM staff engaged children in literacy and art activities that focused on our similarities and differences.  Special emphasis was placed on what makes each one of us special.  

For this activity, DCM consulted the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) standards on Social Emotional Learning. The program touched upon the ISBE goals of developing an awareness of personal identity and positive self-concept, demonstrating a respect and responsibility for self and others as well as using social awareness and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive relationships.  

At the end of the program, several children enthusiastically stated, “I am special because…” and filled in the blank while sharing their artwork with peers, volunteers and parents.