Universal Children's Day

11/20/2008

Learning in natural environments, with natural materials, levels the playing field for all children from all backgrounds.
Diane Gano

Today is Universal Children's Day! The United Nations' (UN) Universal Children's Day, which was established in 1954, is celebrated on November 20 each year to promote international togetherness and awareness among children worldwide. UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, promotes and coordinates this special day.

Many countries, including Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, hold Universal Children's Day events on November 20 to mark the anniversaries of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. However, other countries hold events on different dates, such as the fourth Wednesday in October (Australia) and November 14 (India). Universal Children's Day is not observed in the United States, although a similar observance, National Child's Day, is held on the first Sunday in June.

On November 20, 1959, the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and on November 20, 1989, it adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Since 1990, Universal Children's Day also marks the anniversary of the date that the UN General Assembly adopted both the declaration and the convention on children's rights. On June 16 - 19, 2009, the World Forum on Early Care and Education will celebrate the 20th anniversary on the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Instructional DVD on Challenging Behavior

Facing the Challenge is an instructional, interactive 2 DVD set for teachers working with young children with challenging behaviors. The program includes over two hours of training and documentary video designed to help teachers learn how to prevent children’s use of difficult behaviors and how to develop intervention strategies to work with children who use challenging behaviors to meet their needs.

View a sneak preview of Facing the Challenge online!

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